Culex pipiens is the species associated with the West Nile virus in the New York area outbreak. Culex mosquitoes are painful and persistent biters. They prefer to attack at dusk and after dark. Culex mosquitoes are weak fliers and do not travel far from home, however they have been known to fly up to two miles. They prefer domestic and wild birds over man.
All mosquitoes have a four-stage life cycle.
Male mosquitoes do not bite. They feed on the nectar of flowers. Most eggs hatch into larva within 48 hours. They feed on micro-organisms and organic matter in the water. On the fourth molt the larva changes into a pupa.