There are more than 3,000 mosquito species worldwide. However, only four types are problematic in the United States.
Southern House Mosquito - Culex quinquefasciatus
The southern house mosquito is a tropical and sub-tropical mosquito found within latitudes 36° N and 36° S. In the United States, this species is found in southern states and throughout Florida. This species is active at night and is the primary vector of St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. Adults are brown with proboscis, thorax, wings, and tarsi, a bit darker. Like all Culex species, the female lays her eggs on nutrient-rich standing water.
Northern House Mosquito - Culex pipiens
The northern house mosquito inhabits areas above 39° north latitude; this includes the northern United States and southern Canada. Females bite at night and lay their eggs in stagnant water. Adults have pale brown scales with whitish bands across the abdomen. Mated females overwinter in protected areas. This species is a major vector of the West Nile virus. This mosquito species is not found in South Florida.
Asian Tiger Mosquito - Aedes albopictus
Since its introduction in 1985, this species has spread throughout the eastern states from tropical to temperate climates. The Asian tiger mosquito has better adapted to rural and suburban settings than its cousin, the yellow fever mosquito, and now it is the predominant species in South Florida. You can easily recognize the adults by their black bodies with conspicuous white stripes. A distinctive white stripe runs down the center of the front half of the thorax. Females are aggressive biters and feed in the early morning and late afternoon. After a blood meal, it lays the eggs on the side of water-holding containers. Asian tiger mosquitoes are vectors of various diseases, including dengue, eastern equine encephalitis, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.
Yellow Fever Mosquito - Aedes aegypti
The yellow fever mosquito was the most common species in Florida until the introduction of the Asian tiger mosquito in 1985. Adults resemble the Asian tiger mosquito, but they have a different pattern on the thorax. The Aedes aegypti has white scales on the thorax that resemble the shape of a violin. The abdomen is dark brown to black with silver stripes on the abdomen and legs. After a blood meal, females produce a batch of eggs ranging from 100-200 individuals. They lay eggs on the side of water-holding containers at two or more sites. During its lifetime, females can produce up to five batches. Before each batch, the female requires a new blood meal. This species bites during the day, and as the name suggests, it is the primary vector of the yellow fever virus. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is also an important vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.