Culex

Culex is a genus of mosquitoes in the family Culicidae. It includes many species found worldwide, from temperate to tropical regions. Members of this genus are typically medium-sized and dark-colored, with markings that can help distinguish them from other genera. Female Culex mosquitoes require blood meals for egg development, while males feed on nectar.

Life cycle and ecology: Like other mosquitoes, Culex undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (wiggler), pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs on the surface of standing water in rafts that may contain several dozen to several hundred eggs. The aquatic stages live in water and feed on microorganisms before emerging as flying adults. Temperature influences development time.

Habitat: Culex species breed in a wide range of standing water habitats, including ponds, ditches, storm drains, and polluted pools. Some are tolerant of organic pollution and can breed in urban wetlands and containers with stagnant water.

Disease transmission: Several Culex species are important vectors of disease. They can transmit arboviruses such as West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis, and certain filarial parasites in humans and animals. The role of specific species varies by region.

Control: Vector control focuses on reducing standing water, source reduction, larviciding with agents like methoprene, and targeted adulticiding where appropriate. Personal protection such as screens and repellents also reduces contact.