University of Alberta Museums Search

Scientific Name Culex territans Seasonality Present from early spring to fall, peaking in early to mid summer. Identification

Abdominal tergites with apical bands of pale silvery scales, otherwise, relatively unmarked. In Alberta, it is easily distinguished from other Culex. Larva: antenna constricted beyond insertion of antennal seta 1-A;…

Abdominal tergites with apical bands of pale silvery scales, otherwise, relatively unmarked. In Alberta, it is easily distinguished from other Culex. Larva: antenna constricted beyond insertion of antennal seta 1-A; head setae 5-C and 6-C with 1 or 2 branches (5-C is very rarely 3-branched).

Read More + Life History

Females hibernate, emerging in spring to take a blood-meal, preferably from a frog. Eggs are laid in a raft, commonly on permanent ponds covered in duckweed (Lemna spp.). Adult males have been observed forming…

Females hibernate, emerging in spring to take a blood-meal, preferably from a frog. Eggs are laid in a raft, commonly on permanent ponds covered in duckweed (Lemna spp.). Adult males have been observed forming mating swarms 2-5m off the ground. There are several generations per year in Alberta.

Read More + Conservation Common in Alberta. Diet Info Females feed on reptile and amphibian blood. Larvae are detritivores. Range Likely found throughout Alberta, less commonly on the prairies. Found across North America.