Montana Mosquito Surveillance
Aedes excrucians
Species: Aedes excrucians
Importance:
This species is usually not sufficiently numerous to be of major importance in the state. There is evidence that the mosquito plays a role in dog heartworm transmission in some areas of northern United States.
Biology:
This species overwinters in the egg stage and hatching typically occurs early in the season. It is commonly found in heavily timbered areas. Larvae are found in open swamps and grassy marshes surrounded by woods. Ae. excrucians can be found in a variety of early season habitats but the species is most common in snow pools lined with heavy leaf litter.
Identifying Characteristics:
Pointed abdomen, broad pale banding only on basal part of hindtarsomere, wings with pale and dark scales intermixed, palpus with some pale scales, foreclaw sharply bent and parallel to long tooth below it.