Types of Mosquitoes: Key Species and Their Characteristics

Even before researchers discovered that mosquito bites transmitted diseases to people and animals, these insects were already considered a nuisance. In an effort to limit their populations and prevalence, scientists have extensively studied mosquitoes. This research has revealed that there are several species with distinctive habitats, behaviors, and appearances.

This guide will help you manage your risk for mosquito bites and the diseases they may carry. By taking steps to reduce your mosquito exposure, you can do your part to minimize the public health risks these pests present.

How Many Species of Mosquitoes Are There?

There are a vast number of mosquitoes throughout the world. Researchers have divided them into 3,500 distinct species. Of those, only 170 inhabit North America.

Antarctica is the only place on our planet where mosquitoes don’t live. Otherwise, these insects are very adaptable and can be found in any region. For the most part, they thrive in tropical regions and areas with temperate climates.

Types of Mosquitoes

Of the 170 species of mosquitoes in North America, here are the most common ones found in our region.

Aedes Mosquitoes

How many kinds of mosquitoes are there that spread illness to humans? Almost every species is capable of infecting people, but Aedes mosquitoes are among the most prevalent in the U.S.

Primarily found in metropolitan areas and their suburbs, these mosquitoes go by the name of “day biters” due to their daytime activity. They’re black and white in color.

Aedes mosquitoes spread a variety of diseases. Most notably, they transmit the Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses, as well as yellow fever.

Aedes aegypti is one of the common mosquito species in the U.S. This species prefers to bite people instead of animals, which is why they primarily inhabit urban areas. You’ll find them nesting in manmade containers, such as discarded tires and plant pots.

Aedes albopictus is another widespread pest. These mosquitoes prefer colder climates and tend to populate urban areas and suburbs. They’re known for spreading dengue fever and the chikungunya virus.

Anopheles Mosquitoes

Anopheles mosquitoes are only active at dawn and dusk, and they limit their activity to areas with standing water, including ponds, swamps, and marshes. You can recognize them by their unique posture — they sit at an angle with their chests facing upward. They’re known for spreading malaria to humans.

Anopheles gambiae is notable for its nocturnal activity. It prefers biting people at night and is a major cause of malaria throughout Africa.

While malaria is a major public health issue in many tropical and subtropical regions, its presence in the United States is relatively rare. Most malaria cases in the US are imported by travelers or immigrants coming from regions where malaria is endemic. Each year, approximately 1,500 to 2,000 cases are reported, primarily among people who have traveled to sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or Central and South America.

Culex Mosquitoes

When it comes to mosquito varieties, this species is unique in that its bites indirectly affect people. That’s because culex mosquitoes primarily target birds. In turn, birds expose people to disease through shared water sources or droppings.

Culex mosquitoes are nocturnal. They have a brown coloring, but their markings are iridescent and give off a dazzling sheen. These mosquitoes spread St. Louis encephalitis and western equine encephalitis. They also frequently carry the West Nile virus to birds and people.

Culex pipiens is also called the northern house mosquito. It populates areas with stagnant or polluted water. Standing water with high organic content is especially appealing to these winged pests. They prefer the colder region of the northern U.S. and tend to stay near urban areas.

Culex quinquefasciatus, or the southern house mosquito, adapts more easily to warmer climates. It’s common in the southern U.S. These mosquitoes thrive in nutrient-rich fresh water, but they also dwell in areas featuring stagnant water.

Culex tarsalis, also known as the western encephalitis mosquito, inhabits the midwest and western regions of the country. While ditches, marshes, and swamps attract these mosquitoes, they prefer standing water with sunlight exposure. You’re unlikely to find them in shaded areas.

Other Notable Mosquito Varieties

How many mosquito species are there in the U.S. beyond the three previously mentioned? Many more. While the following species aren’t as common, they can nonetheless pose problems in various regions of North America.

Culiseta Mosquitoes

These mosquitoes are larger than many types in the U.S., making them easier to see. They prefer cooler climates like those that characterize the northern regions of the country. They nest in natural settings but will also use artificial containers.

Although they tend to be large and have an intimidating appearance, culiseta mosquitoes don’t generally transmit diseases.

Psorophora Mosquitoes

Psorophora mosquitoes are also quite large. Unlike its culiseta cousin, this breed is aggressive and delivers painful bites. Flood plains and areas with standing water are attractive to this pest. Watch for them after heavy storms.

Toxorhynchites Mosquitoes

These insects are actually beneficial to people since they feed on other mosquito larvae. Although they’re big and can seem like a nuisance, they don’t bite people or transmit disease. They mostly stick to tropical and subtropical regions.

The Role of Mosquitoes in Disease Transmission

Mosquitoes are classified as a vector species, meaning they may transmit diseases to animals and people. Although mosquitoes can pass many different varieties of microorganisms through their bites, they frequently transmit specific viruses to the hosts they bite.

The most commonly transmitted diseases mosquitoes pass to people include:

Zika virus
West Nile virus
Dengue fever
Malaria
Yellow fever
Chikungunya virus
St. Louis encephalitis
LaCrosse (California) encephalitis
Eastern equine encephalitis
Western equine encephalitis

Since exposure to these viruses can lead to a public health crisis, preventing exposure to mosquitoes is vital. If you experience headaches, fever, muscle aches, or other unusual symptoms after a bite, consult a healthcare professional right away.

Mosquito Prevention and Protection Tips

Trying to remember all the different type of mosquitoes can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from all of them.

Here’s a short list of the most effective protection tips:

Wear Insect Shield permethrin-treated clothing
Treat your clothing, shoes, and outdoor equipment with permethrin spray
Use topical insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin on exposed skin
Eliminate standing water in potted plants, unused tires, and bird baths
Install aerators in any bodies of water on your property
Keep your pool pump in good working order
Enclose outdoor entertaining areas with mosquito nets

If you follow these steps, mosquitoes are less likely to nest on your property. And keeping yourself and those you care about protected with permethrin and topical sprays can help you guard against bites when mosquitoes get too close.

Preventing Mosquito Exposure

This guide is intended to help you safeguard yourself and your home against the species common to the region you live in. Use this knowledge to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes and their hazardous bites. Whether you’re at home or abroad, your mosquito expertise can help you keep your community safe and healthy.

One effective method for repelling mosquitoes is the use of permethrin spray for clothing and gear, as well as permethrin-treated clothing and gear such as shirts, pants, socks, hats, and mosquito nets. Permethrin is a synthetic chemical that acts as both an insect repellent and insecticide. When applied to fabric and gear, it provides long-lasting protection by deterring mosquitoes and other biting insects. Using permethrin-treated items can help significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites, enhancing your safety during outdoor activities and travel.