Aquatic Insects of Michigan

by Ethan Bright, Museum of Zoology Insect Division and School of Natural Resources and Environment
University of Michigan

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Culicidae (Mosquitoes) of Michigan - Identification

Adults
(adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005, Wallace and Walker 2007)

    1a a. Proboscis rigid and stout on basal half, apical half tapered toward apex and strongly curved downward Toxorhynchites rutilus (Coquillett)
    b. Large species, up to 15 mm long, with broad, metallic colored scales on head, thorax, abdomen, and legs
    c. Posterior border of wing distinctly emarginate at apex of Cu2
    1b a. Proboscis slender, never strongly curved downward on apical half, and of nearly uniform thickness 2
    b. Smaller than above
    c. Posterior border of wing rounded or only slightly distinctly emarginate at apex of Cu2
     
    2a(1b) a. Scutellum evenly rounded on posterior margin, with setae more or less evenly distributed Anopheles Meigen
    b. Palpi of female nearly as long as proboscis
    c. Abdomen bare of scales or only sparsely scaled
    2b a. Scutellum trilobed on posterior margin, with setae in 3 distinct groups 3
    b. Palpi less than one-half as long as proboscis
    c. Abdomen densely scaled both dorsally and ventrally
     
    3a(2b) a. Second marginal cell of wing short, less than half as long as its petiole Uranotaenia sapphirina (Osten Sacken)
    also: Thorax usually with lines of iridescent blue scales
    3b a. Second marginal cell of wing as long as or longer than its petiole 4
     
    4a(3b) a. Postnotum with a tuft of setae Wyeomyia smithii (Coquillett)
    b. Wing squama without fringe of hair
    4b a. Postnotum bare 5
    b. Wing squama with fringe of hair
     
    5a(4b) a. Spiracular bristles present 6
    5b a. Spiracular bristles absent 7
     
    6a(5b) a. Postspiracular bristles present Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy
    b. Tip of abdomen pointed
    6b a. Postspiracular bristles absent Culiseta Felt
    b. Tip of abdomen blunt
     
    7a(5b) a. Postspiracular bristles present Aedes Meigen, Ochlerotatus Lunch Arribalzaga
    7b a. Postspiracular bristles absent 8
     
    8a(7b) a. Scutum bicolored with narrow longitudinal lines of white scales Orthopodomyia Theobald
    b. Penultimate (next to the last) segment of front tarsi very short, only about half as long as wide
    8b a. Scutum without longitudinal lines of white scales 9
    b. Penultimate segment of front tarsi much longer than wide
     
    9a(8b) a. Wing scales very broad, mixed brown and white (Fig.) Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker)
    9b a. Wing scales narrow and uniformly dark Culex Linnaeus
     

Pupae
(adapted from Wallace and Walker 2007)

    1a a. Segment X with a conspicuous branched hair Toxorhynchites rutilus (Coquillett)
    b. Seta 9 on segment VII greatly reduced
    c. Paddles without apical seta
    1b a. Segment X without branched hair 2
    b. Seta 9- VIII and paddles variable
     
    2a(1b) a. Paddles nearly always with an accessory seta arising anterior to, and in line with, the apical seta Anopheles Meigen
    b. If not, then seta 9 on segments IV-VII in the form of a short, stout, dark spine arising from the extreme posterior corner of the segment and trumpets short, flared, and split nearly to base
    2b a. Paddles with accessory seta absent 3
    b. or, if present, arising level with and laterad of the apical seta; seta 9 and trumpets usually different from above
     
    3a(2b) a. Trumpets modified for insertion into aquatic plant tissues Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker)
    b. Float hairs suppressed (used in some species keys)
    3b a. Trumpets otherwise 4
    b. And/or float hair well developed
     
    4a(3b) a. Paddles small, somewhat pointed, and without apical seta Wyeomyia smithii (Coquillett)
    4b a. Paddles not pointed, apical seta present 5
     
    5a(4b) a. Paddles with inner half deeply excavated toward base and usually much broader on outer half Uranotaenia sapphirina (Osten Sacken)
    b.Segment IX usually with a pair of small setulae (stiff bristles)
    c. Paddles fringed or toothed on both borders
    5b a. Without this combination of characters 6
     
    6a(5b) a. Paddles somewhat rectangular, with the thickened basal portion of outer edge sometimes spiculate (having minute, pointed spines), but remaining otherwise smooth and hyaline Orthopodomyia Theobald
    b. Accessory paddle seta absent
    c. Apical paddle seta very short d. seta 9 on segments VI-VIII long, stout, plumose, and on segment VIII about half or more the length of paddle
    6b a. Without this combination of characters 7
     
    7a(6b) a. Trumpets tubular for most of their length, either with or without rudimentary basal tracheation Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy
    b. Seta 9- VIII arising from the posterolateral corner of the segment with little or no anterior displacement
    c. and, with one of the following characteristics: posterior corner of abdominal segment IV toothed ; prominent ventral lobes present on posterior border of segment VIII, partly covering the bases of the paddles; or, accessory paddle seta present
    7b a. Without this combination of characters 8
     
    8a(7b) a. Seta 8-C arising laterad to, and approximately even with, the base of the trumpet, but very much anterior to 9-C Aedes Meigen, Ochlerotatus Lunch Arribalzaga
    b. Tracheation of trumpet absent or, at most, rudimentary
    c. Seta 9-VIII rarely arising cephalad of the posterior border of the segment
    8b a. Seta 8-C arising even with, or posterior to, the base of the trumpet and more nearly level with 9-C 9
    b. Trumpets frequently with extensive subbasal tracheation
    c. Position of seta 9- VIII variable
     
     
    9a(8b) a. Trumpets with well-developed subbasal tracheation Culex Linnaeus
    b. or seta 9-VIII arising well cepahlad of the posterior border of the segment
    9b a. Trumpets with, at most, rudimentary basal tracheation Culiseta Felt
    b. Seta 9-VIII always arising from the posterior border of the segment
     

Larvae
(adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

    1a a. Respiratory siphon absent Anopheles Meigen
    b. Some abdominal terga with seta 1 palmate
    1b a. Respiratory siphon present 2
    b. Seta 1 on abdominal terga never palmate
     
    2a(1b) a. Siphon attenuated apically, with a dorsal "saw" adapted for piercing plant tissue Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker)
    also: Setae 2,3-A much shorter than the antennal flagellum; saddle without precratal setae, or if present, no more than 2 thin setae posteriorly
    2b a. Siphon not attenuated apically, and not adapted for piercing plant tissue 3
     
    3a(2b) a. Siphon without pecten spines 4
    3b a. Siphon with pecten spines 6
     
    4a(3a) a. Lateral palatal brush composed of few stout curved rods Toxorhynchites rutilus (Coquillett)
    b. Comb scales absent on Ab8
    4b a. Lateral palatal brush composed of numerous thin, sometimes pectinate, filaments 5
    b. Comb scales present on Ab8
     
    5a(4b) a. Ab10 without a median ventral brush, seta 4-X the form of a pair of ventroposteriolateral setae Wyeomyia smithii (Coquillett)
    b. Comb scales on Ab8 in a single row
    5b a. Ab10 with seta 4-X the form of a well-developed median ventral brush Orthopodomyia Theobald

    6a(3b) a. Ab8 with the large lateral comb plate bearing comb scales Uranotaenia sapphirina (Osten Sacken)
    b. Head longer than wide
    6b a. Ab8 without a comb plate or, if present, small 7
    b. Head wide than long, capsule widest in posterior half
     
    7a(6b) a. Siphon with at least a basal pair of ventral setae Culiseta Felt
    7b a. Siphon with setae elsewhere, but not ventrally near the base 8
     
    8a(7b) a. Siphon with 3 or more pairs of setae 9
    8b a. Siphon with 1 pair of setae 10
     
    9a(8a) a. Saddle completely encircling Ab10 Culex Linnaeus
    9b a. Saddle not completely encircling Ab10 Aedes Meigen (in part), Ochlerotatus Lynch Arribálzaga [in part]
     
    10a(8b) a. Saddle completely encircling Ab10, pierced along the midventral line by a row of precratal setal tufts Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy
    10b a. Saddle usually not encircling Ab10, but if so, then the setal tufts of seta 4-X are confined posterior to the saddle Aedes Meigen (in part), Ochlerotatus Lynch Arribálzaga [in part]
     

Orthopodomyia Theobald, 1904

    Orthopodomyia - Females
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

      1a a. Lower mesokatepisternum with 4 or more setae Orthopodomyia signifera (Coquillett)
      b. Base of R4+5 usually with a patch of pale scales
      1b a. Lower mesokatepisternum with 0-2 setae Orthopodomyia alba Baker
      b. Base of R4+5 usually with dark scales
       

    Orthopodomyia - 4th Instar Larvae
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

      1a a. Seta 1-S usually with 3-4 branches, subequal in length to the siphon's diameter at the point of its attachment in lateral view Orthopodomyia alba Baker
      b. Ab8 without a large tergal plate
      1b a. Seta 1-S usually with 6 or more branches, much longer than the siphon's diameter at the point of its attachment in lateral view Orthopodomyia signifera (Coquillett)
      b. Ab8 with a large tergal plate
      also: In lateral view, seta 1-S with branches no longer than the distance from its alveolus to the apex of the siphon; Dorsal pair of anal papillae no longer than the saddle
       

Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy, 1827

    Psorophora - Females
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

      1a a. Wing dark and pale scales on all veins Psorophora (Grabhamia) columbiae (Dyar & Knab)
      b. Femora with more or less distinct narrow subapical band of pale scales
      also: Hind tarsomere 1 largely pale scaled with bands at base and middle; pale wing scales in no definite pattern
      1b a. Wing scales entirely dark or with only a few pale scales on vein C and Sc 2
      b. Femora without subapical pale band
       
      2a(1b) a. Apices of hind femur and tibia with long erect scales Psorophora (Psorophora) ciliata (Fabricius)
      b. If somewhat shaggy, then hing tarsomere 5 not entirely pale scaled
      also: Scutum with narrow median longitudinal stripe of golden scales; proboscis yellow scaled in distal half except for labella
      2b a. Apices of hind femur and tibia without erect scales 3
      b. If somewhat shaggy, then hing tarsomere 5 entirely pale scaled
      also: Abdominal terga with apicolateral patches of pale white to yellow scales
       
      3a(2b) a. Only hind tarsomere 4 scaled on at least one side, other hind tarsomeres dark scaled Psorophora (Janthinosoma) mathesoni Belkin & Heinemann
      also: Scutum with broad longitudinal median stripe of dark scales, yellowish white scales laterally
      3b a. Hind tarsomere 4, 5, and part of 3, pale scaled 4
       
      4a(3b) a. Scutum with dark brown and golden yellow scales in no definite pattern Psorophora (Janthinosoma) ferox (Humbolt)
      b. Abdominal tergum I with purplish scales medially
      4a(3b) a. Scutum with broad median longitudinal strip of dark scales laterally Psorophora (Janthinosoma) horrida (Dyar & Knab)
      b. Abdominal tergum I with pale scales medially
      also: Femora with knee spots; Palpi < 0.25 x length of proboscis, palpomere 4 subequal to palpomere 1-3
       

    Psorophora - 4th Instar Larvae
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

      1a a. Head capsule truncate anteriorly Psorophora (Psorophora) ciliata (Fabricius)
      b. Pecten with > 12 filamentous spines
      c. Antenna small, hardly reaching beyond anterior border of head
      also: Seta 1-X with 3,4 branches from near base
      1b a. Head capsule rounded anteriorly 2
      b. Pecten with < 10 spines, not produced into filaments
      c. Antenna reaching well beyond anterior border of head
       
      2a(1b) a. Length of antenna shorter than length of head
      Psorophora (Grabhamia) columbiae (Dyar & Knab)
      also: Antenna slightly curved; seta 5,6-C shorter than antenna, with 4 or more brachnes
      2b a. Length of antenna subequal or longer than length of head 3
       
      3a(2b) a. Antenna distinctly longer than median length of head Psorophora (Janthinosoma) ferox (Humbolt)
      also: Setae 6-IV-VI single or double; individual branches of setae 5.6-C nearly equal in length
      3b a. Antenna subequal to median length of head 4
       
      4a(3b) a. Setae 6-IV-VI medium sized, not as long as following tergum, branches double or triple Psorophora (Janthinosoma) horrida (Dyar & Knab)
      b. Length of seta 1-S subequal to 2-S
      4b a. Setae 6-IV-VI stout, much longer as following tergum, branches variable Psorophora (Janthinosoma) mathesoni Belkin & Heinemann
      b. Length of seta 1-S much longer than 2-S
       

Anopheles Meigen

    Anopheles - Females
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

      1a a. Wing with pale-scaled spots also: Hind tarsomeres dark scaled 2
      1b a. Wing entirely dark scaled or with silvery or coppery apical fring spot 4
       
      2a(1a) a. Wing vein C with apical pale spot, otherwise dark scaled Anopheles (Anopheles) crucians Wiedemann
      b. Vein A with 3 dark spots
      2b a. Wing vein C with apical and subcostal pale spots 3
      b.Vein A with 1 or 2 dark-scaled spots or lines
       
      3a(2b) a. Sc pale spot > 0.5 x length of preapical dark spot Anopheles (Anopheles) punctipennis (Say)
      3b a. Sc pale spot much reduced, usually < 0.3 x length of preapical dark spot Anopheles (Anopheles) perplexens Ludlow
       
      4a(1b) a. Wing with silvery or coppery apical fring spot Anopheles (Anopheles) earlei Vargas
      also: Numerous erect scales on dorsal surface of wing vein R2+3 between its base dark spot and fork of veins R2 and R3, decumbent ventral scales of R2+3 not visible from dorsal aspect
      4b a. Wing entirely dark scaled 5
       
      5a(4b) a. Wing unspotted Anopheles (Anopheles) barberi Coquillett
      b. Scutal setae about 0.5 x width of scutum
      c. Small species, wing length about 3.0 mm
      also: Proepisternum with 6-11 setae; fore coxa with 19 or more setae; anterior acrostichal setae dark
      5b a. Wing spots of dark scales more or less distinct 6
      b. Scutal setae mostly < 0.5 x width of scutum
      c. Larger, wing length about > 4.0 mm
       
      6a(5b) a. Frontal tuft with some pale setae Anopheles (Anopheles) quadrimaculatus Say
      b. Wing with 4 distinct dark-scaled spots
      c. Palpi with dark scales
      also: Scales on base of vein Cu obovate with apices rounded; upper proespisternum usually with 2-6 setae; mid- and usually foretibia with pale scales apically; scutal fossa usually with 21-45 setae; prealar area usually with 6-12 setae; interocular area usually with 7-12 setae
      6b a. Frontal tuft entirely with dark setae Anopheles (Anopheles) walkeri Theobald
      b. Wing usually with dark-scaled spots indistinct
      c. Palpi with or without apical pale rings
      also: Capitellum of halter usually pale scaled; occiput with patch of pale scales medioanteriorly; femora with knee spots
       

    Anopheles - 4th Instar Larvae
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

      1a a. Setae 5-7 small, single or double Anopheles (Anopheles) barberi Coquillett
      b. Setae 6-I-VI plumose
      also: Setae 2-C widely separated, closer to setae 3-C than to each other; setae 13-II-V and VII usually with 3 branches
      1b a. Setae 5-7 large, multibranched 2
      b. Setae 6-I-VI not plumose
       
      2a a. Setae 0 well-developed on IV,V, with 4 or more branches, about equal to 2-IV,V Anopheles (Anopheles) crucians Wiedemann
      2b a. Setae minute on IV,V, single to triple, much smaller than 2-IV,V 3
       
      3a(2b) a. Seta 2-C simple, sparsely aciculate toward apex Anopheles (Anopheles) walkeri Theobald
      b. Seta 1-P with 3-5 strong branches from near base
      3b a. Seta 2-C simple or forked in outer half, without aciculae 4
      b. Seta 1-P weak, single or branched in out half
       
      4a(3b) a. Seta 2-C usually with 2-5 branches in outer half Anopheles (Anopheles) earlei Vargas
      4b a. Seta 2-C single 5

       

      5a(4b) a. Alveoli of setae 2-C separated by more than the diameter of one alveolus Anopheles (Anopheles) quadrimaculatus Say
      b. Setae 8,9 large, usually with 8-10 branches
      also: Seta 2-C > 1.30 x length of 3-C; pecten plates each with 6-8 long spines, seta 1-A usually inserted > 0.31 x length from base of the antenna, whose length is > 0.31 mm; sum of both setae 3-C, 25-63 branches, more or less widely separated distally; sum of both setae 8-V usually with 7-10 branches; Ab8 usually with anteromedian sternal plate
      5b a. Alveoli of setae 2-C closer together than the diameter of one alveolus 6
      b. Setae 8,9 smaller, usually with 5-7 branches
       
      6a(5b) a. Setae 2-IV,V usually single Anopheles (Anopheles) perplexens Ludlow (in part)
      6b a. Setae 2-IV,V usually double or triple Anopheles (Anopheles) punctipennis (Say), Anopheles (Anopheles) perplexens Ludlow (in part)

       

Aedes Meigen and Ochlerotatus Lynch Arribálzaga

Aedes Meigen and Ochlerotatus - Females
(adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

1a a. Hind tarsomeres with pale bands 2
1b a. Hind tarsomeres entirely dark scaled 18
 
2a(1a) a. Hind tarsomeres pale scaled only on basal part of segments 3
2b a. Hind tarsomeres with pale bands both basally and apically, at least on some segments 15
 
3a(2a) a. Proboscis with definite pale-scaled band near middle Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) sollicitans (Walker)
also: Abdominal terga with pale-scaled median longitudinal stripe or row of disconnected spots, and whitish basolateral patches; wing scales with dark and pale scales intermixed; hind tarsomere 1 with definite yellow-scaled median band
3b a. Proboscis without definite pale-scaled band near middle 4
 
4a(3b) a. Scutum with median longitudinal stripe of yellow scales Ochlerotatus (Finlaya) japonicus (Theobald) [non-native, introduced]
b. Ab3-7 terga without dorsal pale band
c. Hind tarsomere 5 dark scaled
4b a. Scutum with other markings 5
 
5a(4b) a. Basal pale bands of hind tarsomeres narrow, pale band of segment 2 < 0.2 x total segment length Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans (Meigen)
also: Basal pale bands on Ab2-6 with 2 posterior lobes, Ab7 tergum mostly dark scaled; lower mesepimeral setae absent
5b a. Basal pale bands of hind tarsomeres broad, pale band of segment 2 > 0.3 x total segment length 6
 
6a(5b) a. Wings entirely dark scaled Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse)
b. Hind tarsomeres 1-3 with broad pale bands
also: Scutum with median narrow stripe of white scales; hind tarsomere 4 with white band, 5 entirely white
6b a. Wings with pale and dark scales intermixed 7
b. If wings scales all dark, then at least hind tarsomeres 1-4 with broad pale bands
 
7a(6b)

a. Wing with broad triangular-shaped dark and pale scales, rather evenly intermixed dorsally

Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) grossbecki (Dyar & Knab)
also: Proboscis with few scattered pale scales on basal half; scutum with mostly pale scales laterally
7b a. Wing scales with some narrow scales, both dark and pale, usually unevenly distributed 8
 
8a(7b) a. Ab terga entirely clothed with yellow scales Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) flavescens (Müller)
8b b. Ab terga with some dark scales, usually with pale-scaled basal bands on some segments 9  
 
9a(8b) a. Foretarsal claw sharply bent and subparallel to long tooth Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) excrucians (Walker)
9b a. Foretarsal claw not sharply bent, nor nearly parallel to shorter tooth 10
 
10a(9b) a. Lower mesepimeral setae absent 11
b. Mesomeron bare
10b a. Lower mesepimeral setae present 13
b. Mesomeron with few scales on dorsoposterior corner
 
11a(10a)

a. Foretarsal claw tooth short, blunt, < 0.5x length of usually elongate claw

Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) riparius (Dyar & Knab)
also: Hypostigmal area scaled; Ab terga with many scattered yellowish scales in dark-scaled areas
11b a. Foretarsal claw long, thin, > 0.5 x length of claw that is markedly curved just distal to attachment tooth 12
 
12a(11b) a. Proboscis, cercus, and tarsomere 1 of all legs with numerous pale scales Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) euedes (Howard, Dyar & Knab) [in part]
b. Foretarsal claw long, straight distal to attachment of tooth
12b a. Proboscis, cercus, and tarsomere 1 distal to basal ring, usually dark scaled Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) fitchii (Felt & Young) [in part]
b. Foretarsal claw short, more strongly curbed distal to attachment of tooth
 
13a(12b) a. Scales on antennal pedicel numerous, mostly pale Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) fitchii (Felt & Young) [in part]
b. Scutum with medium to dark brown longitudinal stripe
also: Scutum with pale white scales, often mixed with yellow or light brown scales, laterally; dorsal brown-scaled area of postpronotum equal to or larger than ventral pale-scaled area; fore tarsomere 3 with complete basal pale ring
13b a. Scales on antennal pedicel few, mostly dark 14
b. Scutum with reddish brown scales medially, sometimes with a stripe of light scales
 
14a(13b)

a. Foretarsal claw bent just distal to tooth

Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) stimulans (Walker)
b. Ab6-8 sterna pale scaled or with few dark scales only
14b a. Foretarsal claw evenly curbed distad to tooth Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) euedes (Howard, Dyar & Knab) [in part]
b. Ab6-8 sterna pale scaled with rather broad medioapical dark-scaled patches
 
15a(2b) a. Wing with dark and pale scales intermixed, usually pale scaled 16
b. Postprocoxal scale patch present
15b a. Wing entirely dark scaled, or with some pale scales on anterior veins 17
b. Postprocoxal scale patch absent
 
16a(15a) a. Wing vein R4+5 with more dark scales than veins R2 and R3 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) dorsalis (Meigen)
b. Foretarsal claw almost straight in middle
16b a. Wing vein R4+5 with as many dark scales as R2 and R3 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) campestris (Dyar & Knab)
b. Foretarsal claw abruptly curving near attachment of tooth
 
17a(15b) a. Wing entirely dark scaled Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) canadensis (Theobald)
also: Scutum without dark median stripe, usually rather evenly reddish or golden brown
17b a. Wing with prominent patch of pale scales on base of vein C Ochlerotatus (Finlaya) atropalpus (Coquillett)
b. Scutum with broad dark brown or golden median longitudinal stripe
also: Palpi almost entirely dark scaled; pale rings on hind tarsomere joint 1,2 subequal; scutellum with narrow yellow to brown scales; interocular space at least 2.5 diameters of single corneal facet; hind femur entirely pale in basal third to half; scutal fossa without posterior setae
 
18a(1b) a. Scutum with submedian stripes or median patch of silvery white, pale white, or pale yellow scales, or with silvery white scales laterally 19
18b a. Scutum without silvery white medially or laterally, nor pale white or pale yellow scales medially 22
 
19a(18a) a. Scutum with median longitudinal stripe of dark brown scales and silvery white scales laterally 20
19b a. Scutum with broad patch of 1 or 2 stripes of silvery white, pale white, or sometimes pale yellow scales medially 21
 
20a(19a)

a. Setae of anterior portion of scutum relatively few and weak

Ochlerotatus (Protomacleaya) triseriatus (Say)
b. Silvery scaling of scutal fossa usually restricted to lateral and posterior portions
c. Fore- and Mesotarsal claws evenly curved, tooth < 0.3 x length of claw
20b a. Setae of anterior portion of scutum numerous and well-developed Ochlerotatus (Protomacleaya) hendersoni Cockerell
b. Silvery scaling of scutal fossa usually covering entire scutal fossa
c. Fore- and Mesotarsal claws abruptly curving, tooth 0.3-0.5 x length of claw 20
also: Postspiracular scale patch large; setae of scutal fossa darkly pigmente
 
21a(19b) a. Scutum with pair of submedian pale-scaled stripes, separated by dark stripe of about the same width Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) trivittatus (Coquillett, 1902)
21b a. Scutum without pair of submedian pale-scaled strips Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) dupreei (Coquillett)
also: Occiput with few or no dark scales laterally; small species, wing length about 2.5 mm
 
22a(18b)

a. Wing with veins alternating pale and dark scales on veins, R1, R4+5 and Cu dark, others pale

Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) spencerii (Theobald)
22b a. Wing with veins entirely dark or with pale scales at base of vein C and sometimes Sc and R 23
 
23a(22b) a. Hypostigmal area with scales 24
23b a. Hypostigmal area without scales 27
 
24a(23a) a. Postprocoxal scale patch absent 25
b. Palpi usually with some pale scales
24b a. Postprocoxal scale patch present 26
b. Palpi entirely dark scaled
 
25a(24a)

a. Scutum with scales nearly all unicolorous

Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) intrudens (Dyar) [in part]
b. Mesepimeron sometimes without scales in ventral quarter
25b a. Scutum with pair of submedian stripes devoid of scales Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) pullatus (Coquillett)
b. Mesepimeron usually with scales near to ventral margin
 
26a(24b) a. Mesokatepisternum with scales not extending to anterior angle, separated dorsally from posterior mesanepisternal scale patch Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) implicatus (Vockeroth) [in part]
b. Pale-scaled knee spots on all femora
26b a. Mesokatepisternum with scales extending to anterior angle, not separated posterior mesanepisternal scale patch Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) provocans (Walker)
b. Femora without knee spots
 
27a(23b) a. Ab terga without basal pale bands, or if present, on fewer than half of segments 28
27b a. Ab terga usually with pale basal bands on Ab1-7, at least on more than half, or if absent, then with stripe of pale scales laterally 31
 
28a(27a) a. Ab sterna entirely pale scaled Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) aurifer (Coquillett)
b. Forecoxa with at least some brown scales
28b a. At some Ab sterna with dark scales apically 29
b. Forecoxa with all pale scales
 
29a(28b)

a. Scutum with broad median longitudinal stripe of dark scales, broadening abruptly just posterior to scutal angle

Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) thibaulti (Dyar & Knab)
29b a. Scutum with 2 narrower brown-scaled stripes, sometimes fused, if so, not distinctly broadening posteriorly 30
 
30a(29b) a. Mesokatepisternum with < 10 setae, usually 5-6 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) decticus (Howard, Dyar & Knab)
b. Occiput with submedian spots of dark scales
c. Metameron bare a. Mesokatepisternum with 10-20 setae
30b Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) diantaeus (Howard, Dyar & Knab)
b. Occiput lacking submedian spots of dark scales
c. Metameron with small scale patch
 
31a(27b)

a. Postprocoxal scale patch absent

32
31b a. Postprocoxal scale patch present 36
 
32a(31a) a. Scutum with unicolorous scales, or if median longitudinal stripe present, its scales lighter than those laterally 33
b. Mesokatepisternum with scales usuall.y not extending to anterior angle
33b a. Scutum with dark median longitudinal stripe 35
b. Mesokatepisternum with scales extending to anterior angle
 
34a(32a) a. Forecoxae with patch of brown scales Aedes (Aedes) cinereus Meigen
b. Subspiracular area bare
34b a. Forecoxae with patch of pale scales, or with few dark scales only Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) intrudens (Dyar) [in part]
b. Subspiracular area with scales
also: Lower mesepimeral setae present; metameron with scales
 
35a(33b) a. Scutellar and supraalar setae yellowish Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) sticticus (Meigen)
b. Mesepimeron usually without lower setae, ventral quater devoid of scales
35b a. Scutellar and supraalar setae brown or black Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) communis (De Geer)
b. Mesepimeron usually with lower setae, ventral quater scaled
also: Tooth of mesotarsal claw long, thin, claw usually curved abruptly distal to tooth
 
36a(31b)

a. Scutum with many long dark setae, hairy in appearance

Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) impiger (Walker)
b. Postpronotum with setae scattered over posterior
also: Protarsal claw sharply bent apical to long tooth; postspiracular setae < 10
36b a. Scutum with few long setae, not hairy in appearance 37
b. Postpronotum with setae in single or irregular double row along the posterior border
also: Proboscis and palpi dark scaled; Ab7 tergum no more than half pale scaled
 
37a(36b) a. Proepisternum without scales on anterior face, at least in ventral half 38
37b a. Proepisternum fully scaled on anterior face 39
 
38a(37a) a. Protarsal claw sharply bent distal to tooth Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) implicatus (Vockeroth) [in part]
b. Mesokatepisternal scales not reaching the anterior angle
c. Wings with > 7 pale scales at base of vein C
38b a. Protarsal claw elongate, very gradually curving distal to tooth Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) punctor (Kirby) [in part], Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) aboriginis (Dyar)
b. Mesokatepisternal scales reaching the anterior angle
c. Wings with < 7 dark scales at base of vein C
 
39a(37b) a. Supraalar and scutellar setae dark brown or black Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) pionips Dyar
b. With > 13 postmetasternal scales
39b a. Supraalar and scutellar setae yellow brown Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) abserratus (Felt & Young), Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) punctor (Kirby) [in part]
b. Postmetasternal scales absent or with 2-3 scales only
 

Aedes Meigen and Ochlerotatus - 4th Instar Larvae
(adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

    1a a. Siphon with > 1 pair of setae, excluding seta 2-S
    2
    1b a. Siphon with 1 pair of seta, excluding seta 2-S 3
     
    2a(1a) a. Bases of setae 5,6, and 7-C nearly in a straight line Aedes (Aedes) cinereus Meigen
    2b a. Bases of seta 6 distinctly anterior to setae 5-C and 7-C Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) provocans (Walker)
    also: Siphon with 4,5 pairs of subdorsal setae; Ab8 with 14-16 comb scales
     
    3a(2b) a. Saddle completely encircling Ab10 4
    also: Pecten on siphon with > 1 distal spines detached apically; Seta 1-S attached distal to pecten
    3b a. Saddle not completely encircling Ab10 8
     
    4a(3a) a. Comb scale with apical spine < 3.0x the length of subapical spinules or fringed by subequal spinules Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) trivittatus (Coquillett, 1902)
    b. Thoracic integument aculeate
    also: Comb scale with apical spine about 2.0-3.0 x the length of the subapical spinules; median spine of comb scale no more than 2.0 x wide at base and < 2.0 x longer than the subapical spines
    4b a. Comb scale with apical spine at least 4.0x the length of subapical spinules 5
    b. Thoracic integument smooth
     
    5a(4a) a. Setae 2,3-X both single Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) abserratus (Felt & Young)
    b. Most setae on head and body coarse, about equal in diameter throughout
    5b a. Setae 2-X multibranched, 3-X single 6
    b. Head and body setae finely attenuated apically
     
    6a(5b) a. Anal papilla-saddle index at least 8.0, papilla with darkly pigmented tracheae Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) dupreei (Coquillett)
    b. Seta 2-X with 2,3 branches
    6b a. Anal papilla-saddle index at most 5.0, usually much less, papilla lacking dark tracheae 7
    b. Seta 2-X with > 4 branches
    also: Comb scales 10-30, small
     
    7a(6b) a. Seta 2-S much shorter than apical pecten spine Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) punctor (Kirby)
    b. Seta 1-X subequal to saddle
    7b a. Seta 2-S equal to length of apical pecten spine Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) sollicitans (Walker)
    b. Seta 1-X shorter than saddle
    also: Siphon index 2.0-2.5; pecten reaching to middle of siphon or more distally; setae 5.6-C attenuated apically
     
    8a(4b) a. Pectin on siphon > 1 spines detached distally
    9
    8b a. Pectin with spines more or less evenly spaced 21
     
    9a(8b) a. Seta 1-S attached within pecten 10
    9b a. Seta 1-S attached distal to pecten 11
     
    10a(9a) a. Seta 5,6-C with 3-6 branches, placed far forward, anterior to 7-C Ochlerotatus (Finlaya) japonicus (Theobald) [non-native, introduced]
    10b a. Seta 5,6-C single or double, at least 5-C placed posterior to seta 7-C Ochlerotatus (Finlaya) atropalpus (Coquillett)
    also: Comb scales fringed with subequal spinules; seta 1-X attached ventral to saddle; seta 1-M long, reaching anterior to level of seta 0-P; with > 34 comb scales (usually 34-62)



    11a(9b) a. Antenna equal to length of head capsule, or longer 12
    11b a. Antenna shorter than head capsule 13
     
    12a(11a) a. Seta 1-A attached near middle of antenna Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) diantaeus (Howard, Dyar & Knab)
    b. With < 15 comb scales in an irregular row
    12b a. Seta 1-A attached to distal 0.4 of antenna Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) aurifer (Coquillett)
    b. With > 20 comb scales in patch
     
    13a(11b) a. Thorax and abdomen with integement aculeate Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) spencerii (Theobald)
    also: Comb scales < 13; median spine of comb scale broad at base
    13b a. Thorax and abdomen with integement glabrous 14
     
    14a(13b) a. Comb scales in patch of 18 or more 15
    14b a. Comb scales in single or irregular double row, usually 17 or fewer 16
     
    15a(14a) a. Siphon slender, index about 5.0 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) excrucians (Walker)
    b. Seta 6 usually single on Ab3-6
    15b a. Siphon stouter, index < 4.0 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) campestris (Dyar & Knab)
    b. Seta 6 double on Ab3-6 16
    also: Pecten reaching distal to middle of siphon; seta 1-M longer than antenna
     
    16a(14b) a. Seta 5-C with < 3 branches 17
    16b a. Seta 5-C single or double, rarely triple on both sides 19
     
    17a(16a) a. Branches of seta 1-S rarely > 0.5 x length of basal diameter of siphon Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans (Meigen)
    b. Saddle not incised on ventral margin
    17b a. Branches of seta 1-S equal to length of basal diameter of siphon 18
    b. Saddle deeply incised on ventral margin
     
    18a(17b) a. Seta 6 usually single on Ab3-6 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) intrudens (Dyar)
    b. Seta 1-S with > 4 branches
    18b a. Seta 6 usually double on Ab3-6 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) euedes (Howard, Dyar & Knab) [in part]
    b. Seta 1-S double or triple
     
    19a(16b) a. Antenna > 0.6 x length of head capsule Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) decticus (Howard, Dyar & Knab)
    b. Setae 5-7-C coarse, of about equal diameter throughout
    19b a. Antenna < 0.5 x length of head capsule 20
    b. Setae 5-7-C gradually tapering apically
     
    20a(19b) a. Comb with > 12 scales Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) euedes (Howard, Dyar & Knab) [in part]
    b. Pecten on siphon with > 18 spines
    20b a. Comb with > 11 scales Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) riparius (Dyar & Knab)
    b. Pecten on siphon with < 17 spines
    also: Setae 5,6-C double; saddle incised along ventral margin
     
    21a(8b) a. Seta 1-A single or double, antenna usually smooth, or with tiny spinules 22
    21b a. Seta 1-A > 3 branches, antenna with prominent coarse spinules 24
     
    22a(21a) a. Comb scale with pointed unfringed median spine Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse)
    also: Seta 1-A short, not reaching more than 0.75 x the distance to the apex of the antenna; seta 1-C long, thin; siphon without acus; Ab8 with 6-12 comb scales, scales with laterobasal fringe of fine spicules; setal support plate of setae 9-12-M-T with short thin spine; seta 7-C double
    22b a. Comb scale rather blunt apically, evenly fringed with short spinules 23
     
    23a(22b) a. Seta 4-X with 6 pairs of fanlike setae Ochlerotatus (Protomacleaya) triseriatus (Say)
    b. Acus usually attached to siphon and removed from base of siphon
    c. Anal papillae not bulbous, dorsal pair longer than ventral pair
    23b a. Seta 4-X with 5 pairs of fanlike setae Ochlerotatus (Protomacleaya) hendersoni Cockerell
    b. Acus detached and removed from base of siphon
    c. Both pairs of anal papillae about the same length, bulbous also: Seta 4-X with 2 most anterior setae double
     
    24a(21b) a. Individual comb scale with median spine > 1.5 x the length of subapical spinules 25
    24b a. Individual comb scale fringed with subequal spinules or with median spine < 1.5 x length of subapical spinules 30
     
    25a(24a) a. Siphon index 4.0-5.0 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) fitchii (Felt & Young)
    b. Apical pecten spine nearly equal to apical diameter of siphon
    25b a. Siphon index usually < 4.0 26
    b. Apical pecten spine not more than half the apical diameter of siphon
     
    26a(25b) a. Comb with 8-16 scales Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) impiger (Walker)
    also: Saddle extending only about 0.5 to midventral line; anal papilla-saddle index > 2.0
    26b a. Comb with > 18 scales 27
     
    27a(26b) a. Seta 1-X longer than saddle Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) aboriginis (Dyar)
    also: Posterior border of saddle without aciculae; seta 1-M single
    27b a. Seta 1-X shorter than saddle 28
     
    28a(27b) a. Setae 5,6-C single, rarely double Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) stimulans (Walker)
    also: Seta 1 attached about at middle of siphon; seta 1-M longer than 2-M; comb scale with median spine about 1.5 x the length of the subapical spinules; usually < 35 comb scales
    28b a. Seta 5-C with 2-4 branches, 6-C usually double 29
    also: Seta 1-M shorter than setae 3-M and 5-C
     
    29a(28a) a. Siphon index 3.2-4.0 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) flavescens (Müller) [in part]
    b. Comb scale with stout subapical spinules
    29b a. Siphon index 2.5-3.0 Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) sticticus (Meigen)
    b. Comb scale with weak subapical spinules
     
    30a(24b) a. Seta 5-C with > 4 branches 31
    b. 6-C with > 3 branches
    30b a. Seta 5-C with 1-3 branches, rarely 4 33
    b. 6-C single or double, rarely triple
     
    31a(30a) a. Seta 1-M about length of antenna or longer Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) pionips Dyar
    also: Seta 3-P single; with > 70 comb scales
    31b a. Seta 1-M much shorter than antenna 32
     
    32a(31b) a. Comb scale with apical and subapical spines much stouter than lateral spinules Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) thibaulti (Dyar & Knab)
    32b a. Comb scale fringed with subequal spinules Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) canadensis (Theobald)
    also: Setae 6-I,II double
     
    33a(30b) a. Seta 1-M about equal or longer in length than the antenna 34
    33b a. Seta 1-M shorter in length than the antenna 36
     
    34a(33a) a. Pecten extending to distal half of siphon, most apical spines 1,2 stouter than preceding two, and about 2.0 x in length of seta 2-S Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) campestris (Dyar & Knab) [in part]
    34b a. Pecten in basal half of siphon, the 2 most apical spines not much stouter than the preceding two, and about equal in length to seta 2-S 35

       

    35a(34b) a. Seta 1-X about half the length of saddle Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) dorsalis (Meigen)
    b. The 4 setae 5,6-C usually single, or total of single and branches of branched setae rarely more than 7
    35b a. Seta 1-X almost equal to length of saddle Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) grossbecki (Dyar & Knab)
    b. The 4 setae 5,6-C usually branched, the total of single and branches of branched setae usually 10, not fewer than 8
     
    36a(33b) a. Comb scales > 36, with median spine no stouter than subapical spinules Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) communis (De Geer)
    also: Head broad, usually 1.2-1.33 mm wide; siphon long, usually 1.0-1.14 mm long
     
     
    36b a. Comb scales < 35, with median spine stouter than subapical spinules on at least some scales Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) implicatus (Vockeroth)
    also: Pecten confined to basal half of siphon; setae 1-IV,V long, single to triple; comb scales with apical spine longer than subapical spinules; seta 7-P usually double; posterior border of saddle finely aciculate
     
     
     

Culiseta Felt

Culiseta - Females
(adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)
    1a a. Ab terga without basal pale bands Culiseta (Climacura) melanura (Coquillett)
    1b a. Ab terga with distinct basal pale bands 2
     
    2a(1b) a. Hind tarsomeres with pale-scaled bands on some segments 3
    2b a. Hind tarsomeres unbanded 6
     
    3a(2a) a. Hind tarsomeres with broad pale bands, covering a quarter to third of hind tarsomere 2 Culiseta (Culiseta) alaskaensis (Ludlow)
    b. Crossveins of wing with scales 4
    also: Femora without narrow subapical pale-scaled band
    3b a. Hind tarsomeres with narrow pale bands, covering < 0.1 of hind tarsomere 2 4
    b. Crossveins of wing without scales
     
    4a(3b) a. Wing with dense patches of dark scales Culiseta (Culiseta) incidens (Thompson) (questionable Michigan record)
    4b a. Wing uniformly scaled, without dense patches 5
     
    5a(4b) a. Ab terga with pale bands on apices as well as bases, pale scales with brownish tinge, not white Culiseta (Culicella) minnesotae Barr
    5b a. Ab terga with pale bands on bases only, pale scales whitish Culiseta (Culicella) morsitans (Theobald)
     
    6a(2b) a. Wing with dark and pale scales intermixed on anterior veins Culiseta (Culiseta) inornata (Williston)
    b. Hind tarsomeres 1-2 with dark and pale scales
    6b a. Wing dark scaled Culiseta (Culiseta) impatiens (Walker)
    b. Hind tarsomeres dark scaled
     

    Culiseta - 4th Instar Larvae
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

    1a a. Siphon with row of 8-14 setae along midventral line Culiseta (Climacura) melanura (Coquillett)
    1b

    a. Siphon with setae otherwise distributed, no midventral row

    2
     
    2a(1b) a. Antenna longer than head, with seta 1-A attached to distal third 3
    b. Siphon without row of single spicules distal to pecten
    2b a. Antenna shorter than head, with seta 1-A attached near middle 4
    b. Siphon with row of single spicules distal to pecten
     
    3a(2b) a. Seta 5-C usually with > 7 branches Culiseta (Culicella) minnesotae Barr
    b. Seta 4-X with 16-18 fanlike setae
    c. Seta 7-C mostly with > 9 branches
    3b a. Seta 5-C usually with < 5 branches Culiseta (Culicella) morsitans (Theobald)
    b. Seta 4-X with 19-22 fanlike setae
    c. Seta 7-C mostly with < 8 branches
     
    4a(2b) a. Setae 5,6-C similar in size and number of branches Culiseta (Culiseta) impatiens (Walker)
    4b a. Setae 6-C with fewer branches and usually somewhat longer than 5-C 5
     
    5a(4b) a. Seta 1-X with rather strong branches equal to length of saddle or longer Culiseta (Culiseta) inornata (Williston)
    5b a. Seta 1-X with fine branches, shorter than saddle 6
     
    6a(5b) a. Antenna robust, no more than 8.0 x the length of basal diameter, with many coarse spicules Culiseta (Culiseta) alaskaensis (Ludlow)
    b. Setae 1,2-M both short, multibranched
    6b a. Antenna slender, > 9.0 x the length of basal diameter, with fine spicules Culiseta (Culiseta) incidens (Thompson) [questionable Michigan record]
    b. Setae 1,2-M single, much longer than multibranched seta 2-M
     
Culex Linnaeus

    Culex - Females
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

      1a a. Scutum without middorsal acrostichial setae Culex (Melanoconion) erraticus (Dyar & Knab)
      b. Occiput with broad appressed scales, at least on ocular line also: Mesepimeron with large patch of broad pale scales
      1b a. Scutum with middorsal acrostichial setae 2
      b. Occiput with narrow appressed scales
       
      2a(1b) a. Ab terga with bands or lateral patches of pale scales along apical border Culex (Neoculex) territans Walker
      also: Ab2-3 terga with apical bands or apicolateral patches of pale scales extending onto dorsum; apicolateral patches extending basally at least to half of Ab4-6 terga, usually connected to dorsoapical pale bands; palpi about 2.0 x length of the antennal flagellmere 4; wing cell R2 about 3.0 x the length of vein R2+3; apcial and apiolateral scales of Ab2-7 whitish
      2b a. Ab terga with bands or lateral patches of pale scales along basal border 3
       
      3a(2b) a. Hind tarsomeres with rather distinct, broad basal and apical bands of pale scales Culex (Culex) tarsalis Coquillett
      also: Proboscis with complete distinct ring of pale scales; anterior surface of forefemur and tibia with pale stripe, or line of pale-scaled spots; V-shaped dark-scaled marks on Ab sterna
      3b a. Hind tarsomeres dark scaled, or if with pale scales, then as very narrow basal bands 4
       
      4a(3b) a. Ab terga usually with narrow basal bands of white or yellow scales, Ab7 tergum mostly with dingy yellow scales Culex (Culex) salinarius Coquillett
      also: Ab2-6 terga with basolateral patches or narrow basal bands of dingy yellow scales sometimes blended with similar scales on apex of preceding segment; thoracic pleura with several patches of pale scales, each with 6 or more scales
      4b a. Ab terga with conspicuous basal pale bands 5
       
      5a(4b) a. Basal pale bands on Ab terga rounded posteriorly, with marked sublateral constrictions, narrowly joined to large lateral pale patches Culex (Culex) pipiens Linnaeus
      b. Scutum without pale-scaled spots
      5b a. Basal pale bands on Ab terga more or less straight posteriorly, broadly joined to small lateral pale patches with only slight sublateral constriction, if at all Culex (Culex) restuans Theobald
      b. Scutum with a pair of pale-scaled submedian spots near middle
      also: Wing cell R2 4.5 x or more the length of vein R2+3; medium size species, wing length > 4.0 mm
       

    Culex - 4th Instar Larvae
    (adapted from Darsie and Ward 2005)

    1a a. Seta 6-C with > 3 branches also: Ab10 with 4 anal papillae 2
    1b a. Seta 6-C single or double 5
     
    2a(1a) a. Siphon setae long, irregularly placed, mostly single Culex (Culex) restuans Theobald
    also: Antennae not markedly constricted distally, seta 1-A attached near middle
    2b a. Siphon setae linear, sometimes with 1,2 pairs dorsally out of line, mostly branched 3
    also: Siphon without spines near apex
     
    3a(2b) a. Siphon with setae in straight line, usually with 5 pairs of setae Culex (Culex) tarsalis Coquillett
    b. Siphon index 4.5-5.5
    3b a. Siphon with 4-5 pairs of setae not all in straight line, 1,2 pairs dorsally out of line 4
     
    4a(3b) a. Siphon index 4.0-5.0 Culex (Culex) pipiens Linnaeus
    also: Aciculae on dorsoposterior border of saddle not much larger than those at dorsal middle; setae 6-III,IV usually single or double
    4b a. Siphon index 6.0-8.0 Culex (Culex) salinarius Coquillett
    also: Siphon usually with 4 pairs of setae, only 1 pair dorsally out of line; thoracic integument glabrous; seta 1-M much longer than 2-M; seta 1-X usually double
     
    5a(1b) a. Pecten spines with 1-4 lateral denticles Culex (Neoculex) territans Walker
    b. Seta 2-S straight
    c. Siphon without subdorsal setae
    also: Seta 6-C (usually single) longer than 5-C (single, occasionally double or triple), usually not both double; seta 1a-S not more than 1.2 x longer than the distance from alveolus to the base of the siphon; Ab3-5 evenly pigmented
    5b a. Pecten spines with > 10 denticles Culex (Melanoconion) erraticus (Dyar & Knab)
    b. Seta 2-S strongly curved
    c. Siphon with 1 or more pairs of subdorsal setae
    also: At least some comb scales with large median spine; siphon index > 6.0, most distal seta not near apex
     

References

Darsie Jr. RF, Ward RA. 2005. Identification and geographical distribution of the mosquitoes of North America, north of Mexico. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. xiv + 383 p.

Page created: June 11, 2006 (EB) - Last updated: December 4, 2013 (EB)