Montana Mosquito Surveillance
Aedes spencerii idahoensis
Species: Aedes spencerii idahoensis
Importance:
This is an important pest species in Montana and responsible for a high level of annoyance to both man and livestock.
Biology:
This species overwinters in the egg stage. Larvae are found in a variety of habitats that hold rain or snow water. It prefers alkaline habitats similar to Ae. dorsalis. Adults can migrate several miles from emergence sites.
Identifying Characteristics:
Pointed abdomen, no leg banding, wing veins alternating dark and pale scales, abdominal terga with no dorsal median longitudinal stripe. Similar to Ae. spencerii spencerii.