04/08/2026
🦟 Mosquito of the Week: Culiseta inornata
Hello from Four Rivers Vector Control District! Meet Culiseta inornata, commonly known as the winter marsh mosquito or large winter mosquito. This species is one of the first mosquitoes you may notice in our area in our County and the surrounding region, especially during the cooler months.
🔬 What makes this mosquito unique?
Culiseta inornata is active during cooler temperatures, often emerging in late fall, winter, and early spring. Unlike many mosquitoes, it can remain active when conditions are too cold for other species.
🌿 Where do they breed?
This species prefers semi-permanent or permanent water sources, such as marshes, irrigation ditches, ponds, and areas with abundant vegetation. They are often associated with cool, stagnant water.
✈️ How far can they travel?
Adults typically stay closer to their breeding sites but are still capable of traveling several miles in search of a blood meal.
🔎 How to identify them:
Some key identifying features include:
• Large size compared to most mosquitoes
• Brown to gray coloration with pale bands on the abdomen
• Long legs and a more robust body
⚠️ Why they matter:
Culiseta inornata primarily feeds on birds and mammals, including livestock, and can be a nuisance biter. While they are not considered major disease vectors in our region, they can play a role in maintaining certain pathogens in wildlife populations.
💡 What to watch for:
Because they are active in cooler weather, you may notice them earlier in the season than other mosquitoes. Their larger size can make them more noticeable, and their bites can cause irritation and discomfort.
🚫 Help reduce mosquitoes around your home:
• Eliminate standing water where possible
• Maintain ditches and drainage areas
• Keep water features clean and circulating
Stay tuned for next week’s Mosquito of the Week from Four Rivers Vector Control District!
