Montana Mosquito Surveillance
Aedes increpitus
Species: Aedes increpitus
Importance:
Females are aggressive biters of livestock, wildlife and humans but are not known to be associated with disease transmission.
Biology:
This species extends from the Montana/Wyoming prairies to the eastern plains of Washington and Oregon, south to Arizona. In Montana, it is especially abundant in collections from the Flathead Valley. Larvae are found in habitats typical for floodwater mosquitoes (borrow pits, irrigation ditches, pasture depressions) that are filled by snow melt or spring rains. Adult females are known for their day-time biting.
Identifying Characteristics:
Pointed abdomen, pale leg bands wide and only on basal side of leg joint, scales on base of antennae few and dark. Similar to Ae. fitchii.