SeasonalityPresent from early spring to fall, peaking in early to mid summer.IdentificationAbdominal 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).
Scientific NameCulex territansSeasonality
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).
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.
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.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Culex territans
Page Citation
"Species Details - Culex territans, Freshwater Invertebrate Collection." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/5-6135. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
Specimen Information
There is 1 specimen of this Species.
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1 result plotted on map in 1 marker. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.