NPSpecies

Distribution: Darsie and Ward (2005): Palearctic, Neotropical S, Subsarhara S.; Northern Unites States. GSMNP: North Carolina, Tennessee. Egg: Eggs laid in rafts on the water surface; cannot withstand desiccation. Larva and pupa: Water with high organic content, polluted water in ditches, catch basins, mad-made containers, sewage treatment lagoons, and settling ponds associated with dairy and livestock operations. Adult: Overwinter as females inside protected areas including storm drains, caves, outbuildings, and basements. Will feed on a variety of avian and mammalian hosts. Medical Importance: Vector of St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. The Culex pipiens complex includes Cx. pipiens pipiens, Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus Say, and their hybrids. In North America between 36° and 39° North, both species and their hybrids occur (Barr 1957). Reeves et al. (2004) used the male genitalia to determine the species, however, it is not clear what taxonomic key was used. It is possible that the hybrids and both species occur in the GSMNP. This species is medically important and should be studied in further detail. (Connelly, 2010)