Aedes

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

    One species of this genus, Aedes canadensis has a distribution that extends from Labrador south to northern Florida along the Atlantic seaboard and west through Canada into Alaska. The mosquito is common in every state east of the Mississippi River, is well distributed in the central plains but is not found along the Pacific coast or the arid southwest. Aedes canadensis larvae hatch from overwintering eggs during the early spring. In the southern half of the state, larvae can be abundant by early March. In more northern areas, Ae. canadensis appears after the true snow pool species and larvae may not be evident until late April. Virtually any early season transient water will support Ae. canadensis larvae. The species is most common in shallow, leaf-lined pools in wooded areas but specimens will be encountered in deep pools, roadside ditches, vernal pools in open fields, along the edges of permanent swamps, and in acid water bogs. During the early spring, the species is most frequently mixed with Ae. stimulans, Ae. grossbecki . Somewhat later in the season, the species shares habitat with Ae. cinereus, Ae. sticticus and Ae. vexans. Further south, the species is frequently encountered in bog habitats but is still most abundant in dark water. Later season populations of Ae. canadensis may be mixed with Ae. vexans, Aedes atlanticus and Psorophora ferox in woodland pool habitats that reflood following exceptionally heavy rainfall.

IMPORTANCE:

    Aedes canadensis can be a serious pest, especially in wooded areas close to its breeding habitat. The mosquito does not appear to range far but can be an aggressive biter in shaded areas. The mosquito appears to be extremely long lived and specimens are frequently collected nearly devoid of markings. The mosquito has been implicated as a vector of the California group viruses and has repeatedly been cited as an efficient vector of dog heartworm. Aedes canadensis feeds on a broad range of animals, including large and small mammals, birds and even reptiles. The mosquito has a particular affinity for turtles and is frequently seen in a cloud following a turtle that is crossing the road to lay its eggs during the month of May