Montana Mosquito Surveillance
Aedes melanimon
Species: Aedes melanimon
Importance:
This species is an aggressive biter, attacking man and other mammals such as horses, cattle, dogs, and rabbits. It can interfere with agricultural operations as well as recreational activities. It is a secondary vector of WEE.
Biology:
This mosquito is found in the western US and southwest Canada. In surveillance studies in Montana, it has been captured more frequently in traps located in the eastern and northcentral parts of the state. Females deposit eggs singly (up to 150 per female) on damp soil that will be flooded later in the summer or the following spring. Eggs are deposited on sites typical of floodwater mosquitoes (floodplains, pasture depressions, partially shaded woodland pools, roadside ditches, etc.) with a history of flooding the following spring and summer. They can withstand considerable drying and remain viable for a number of years. There can be several broods of this species during the summer depending on the number of flood events. Females primarily bite and swarm during the twilight hours, but will bite during the day when resting areas are invaded. Winter is passed in the egg stage.
Identifying Characteristics:
Pointed abdomen, pale banding on both sides of leg joints, wing vein C mostly dark-scaled. Similar to Ae. dorsalis.