Culex quinquefasciatus [′kyo͞o leks ′kwinkwə fa she ′ah tus]

Figure

Figure. Female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito. Image credit: CDC Public Health Image Library, 1976.)

In 1823, the American entomologist Thomas Say described Culex (Latin for “gnat”) quinquefasciatus, which he collected along the Mississippi River. Originally written as “C. 5-fasciatus,” the name refers to 5 (“quinque”) black, broad, transverse bands (“fasciatus” or “fasciae”) on the mosquito’s dorsal abdomen (Figure). The name remains despite later revelations of more than 5 fasciae, thanks to improved microscopy. Although quinquefasciatus is the official scientific name, there are at least 5 synonymous names for this species.

Say described this species as “exceedingly numerous and troublesome.” “Quinx” are among the world’s most abundant peridomestic mosquitoes, earning the nickname “southern house mosquito.” Cx. quinquefasciatus is found throughout subtropical and tropical areas worldwide, except for exceedingly dry or cold regions. This mosquito is a principal vector of many pathogens, transmitting the phlebovirus Rift Valley fever virus and the 2 flaviviruses St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus, in addition to filarial worms and avian malarial parasites.