Aedes stimulans, commonly known as the woodland mosquito, is a species of mosquito in the genus Aedes. It is primarily found in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, thriving in shaded woodland environments. This species is notable for its early spring activity and its potential role as a vector for dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis).
Aedes stimulans adults are medium-sized mosquitoes with distinct features. The proboscis is dark-scaled, and the palpi are short with white-tipped scales. The thorax is covered in dark brown to black scales, and the abdomen displays narrow white bands on each segment. The legs are dark with pale bands at the joints, typical of many Aedes species.
Larvae are characterized by head hairs: the upper head hair is usually double (occasionally single), and the lower head hair is single. The siphon has an index of 3.0–3.5, and the saddle is incomplete with spicules along the posterior edge, distinguishing it from similar species like Aedes communis.[2]
Larvae of Aedes stimulans inhabit shaded woodland pools rich in leaf litter, temporary spring overflow pools, and forested drainage ditches. These cold, shaded environments support their early spring development.[2]
Life cycle
Aedes stimulans is univoltine, producing one generation annually. Eggs are laid on moist substrates above the waterline, capable of withstanding desiccation. Hatching occurs in early spring, with larvae developing in cold water. Pupation takes place in late April at higher elevations or earlier in southern areas, and adults emerge by May. Females require blood meals to lay eggs, which enter diapause until the next spring.[3]
Behavior
Female Aedes stimulans are aggressive biters, targeting humans and animals in wooded areas. They are a significant early season pest, especially in northern New Jersey, where they may invade communities in large numbers. Adults are long-lived, persisting into August, enhancing their vector potential. Males and non-blood-feeding females may feed on nectar from plants like eastern yampah, Virginia creeper, and common milkweed.[4]
Medical importance
Aedes stimulans is a probable vector of dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in regions like northern New Jersey, due to its longevity and biting habits. It poses a veterinary health concern for dogs but is not a primary vector for human diseases like dengue or Zika.[5]
Infections
Larvae are susceptible to an iridescent virus, causing opalescent turquoise coloration and high mortality, and microsporidian infections, which produce visible lumps in fourth-instar larvae.[6][2]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
