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Please read the enclosed information before you allow your yard and our
precious open spaces here in Norfolk to be sprayed. Thank you very much.
WHY OTHER CITIES & TOWNS HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO SPRAY!!
PLEASE READ THIS AND THEN BECOME PART OF
THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT AGAINST SPRAYING.
We owe it to ourselves and to our children to be informed!
This is for real and very serious!
Local Massachusetts
resources are listed at the end of this email!
Please... READ THIS before you permit your yard to be sprayed.
www.nospraynashville.org/pdf/Anvil2plus2LabelMSDS.pdf
PLEASE READ THIS:
http://npacboston.org/resources.html
PLEASE READ THIS:
www.npacboston.org/campaign.html
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) states that no pesticide can be
considered 100% safe. Manufacturers and distributors of pesticides are not
allowed by Federal Law to say that any pesticide is safe. Health Department
officials should consider this when they make their erroneous claims that the
pesticide is harmless.
__________________________________________________
THE MOSQUITO MIST SYSTEMS USE POISON OVER AND OVER
"The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has written to EPA's Office
of Pesticide Programs expressing AMCA's concern with the sale of outdoor
time-released insecticide misting systems to homeowners and businesses.
AMCA's concern is held by many state regulatory agencies. These concerns
consist of the introduction of timed pesticide releases into the environment
regardless of pest pressure, possible resistance development, exposure to
residential customers and the fact that this system does not address the main source of
the mosquito problem. The overall system is one-dimensional approach to
mosquito control."
This poison kills beneficial insects like: bees, butterflies, firefies,
moths, etc. It contributes to creating "super mosquitoes" that develop a resistance
to the pesticide so, in the long run, it will make mosquito problems worse.
You also risk fish and other aquatic life and create potential health hazards
for anyone (including pets) in your backyard or near (neighbors). There is an
increasing number of people who are chemically sensitive. If you happen to live
next to one and install this system, you could make someone extremely ill.
People who purchase these systems and the companies that sell them should be
prepared for lawsuits.
Companies that are trying to sell mist systems are trying to make money off
of the West Nile virus scare. We have many concerns regarding these systems as
do many other people, companies and organizations.
First of all, people who sell pesticides often try to suggest that permithrin
is "organic." It is not, it is a synthetic pesticide. However, if it were the
organic version, we would not recommend it either.
Why? Because less toxic and equally effective methods to control mosquitoes
are available. If your backyard is full of mosquitoes, you have a breeding
ground close by. Does it make sense to use poison over and over or eliminate the
source and use personal protection?
Why OTHER CITIES HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO SPRAY
Adams County and City of Natchez, Mississippi The Natchez Democrat 8/24/03
"The best way to curb the mosquito population ~ and thus, the spread of West
Nile virus ~ is to kill the insects while they're still young, say many mosquito
control experts.'' County employees will use Angique MMF spreading a thin film
in breeding areas which drowns the mosquito larvae and pupae.
Fort Worth and Tarrant County, Texas Health Department Release 8/20/02 Fort
Worth discontinued its spraying program in 1991. Several reason discussed,
criticizing the adulticide spraying. Summarizing:
i.) Spraying adulticides is ineffective as many mosquitoes are not hit,
hiding in bushes, trees, etc. and larvae will continue to thrive, soon producing
more adults.
ii) Adding harmful chemicals to the environment can have unwanted effects to
both air and water.
iii) Thousands of Fort Worth residents with respiratory problems such as
asthma would be in danger. Asthma and allergies are two of the top five health
problems for Fort Worth residents. The potential inhalation hazard to the general
population does not seem worth the risk of killing a few mosquitoes.
Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee City's website Headlines 9/9/02
The city does not spray adulticides. University of Tennessee advised such a
program is ineffective and more cost prohibitive than other, more effective,
options such as public education and providing larvacides for areas where standing
water is a problem Spraying adulticides can adversely affect the health of
those with breathing problems, and small children. Spraying also does not kill
the larvae from which mosquitoes develop.
Moreau, Northumberland and Wilton, NY (Saratoga County) Times-Union 4/24/02
The three towns have switched to Mosquito Dunks and stopped their adulticide
spraying programs. Moreau dropped adulticide spraying after a softball field was
accidentally sprayed in June 2100, sending 37 people to the hospital for
treatment of dizziness and nausea. ``Spraying is really a short-term type of thing,''
said Wilton Councilman Larry Gordon. ``It doesn't diminish the overall
populations as dunks do.''
Washington D. C. First Case of West Nile Diagnosed Here, Washington Post,
8/8/02 D. C. officials will not be spraying adulticides, saying such pesticide
spraying is inappropriate because of the area's many asthma patients. The
announcement was made the same day that a human case of West Nile was confirmed, and
the mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile from 40 locations throughout
Washington. The city will accelerate its program of larvaciding, placing
tablets in more that 4200 catch basins and pools of standing water. Also,
residents are encouraged to get rid of standing water, and to buy tablets (mosquito
dunks) and put them in breeding areas such as garden ponds and birdbaths.
Source: Canadian Coalition for Health and Environment, see the link ``Great
links for more information.''
A mosquito that cannot hatch is a mosquito that cannot bite! If you have
mosquitoes in your back yard, chances are they are breeding very close to your
home! The two most common mosquitoes have a flight range of 1/4 to 1/2 mile
according to John D. Hopkins of the University of Arkansas. (The EPA states 1/4 to
1 mile.) Some other species can travel further.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Reduce or eliminate all standing water in your yard especially in childrens
toys, clogged gutters, tires, flowerpots, trash cans, and wheelbarrows.
Mosquito larvae look like little wiggling worms. They are also sometimes called
wigglers. Killing mosquitoes in the larval and pupae stages of their development is
much easier than killing adults.
Change the water in kiddie pools, dog bowls and bird baths every other day.
You can purchase a product called "The Water Wiggler" (cost $24.95) for your
bird bath at The Wood Trush Shop at 6029 Hwy 100 in Belle Meade. It jiggles the
water for 2 months on 2 D batteries preventing mosquitoes from laying their
eggs.
If you can't get rid of standing water, buy a larvicide called Mosquito Dunks
(see photo to the left) or Mosquito Bits at garden centers or home
improvement stores (approximate cost is $9.00 for six dunks). Larvicide kills mosquito
and fly larvae for 30 days or more and does not harm other living things. Check
out BioControl Network, Brentwood, TN at (615) 370-4301 for other non-toxic
alternatives.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with mosquito-eating fish like Gambusia
fish.
Limit time outdoors when mosquitoes are present. Mosquitoes that could carry
West Nile virus are out from dusk to dawn.
Purchase a yellow bug light for lights that are near your entry way doors.
If you must be outdoors, WEAR A MOSQUITO REPELLENT. We do NOT recommend using
DEET. To find out why read DEET Alert! The CDC has recently approved two
products that we feel are safer than DEET (picardin and oil of lemon eucalyptus).
We also recommend BITE BLOCKER which is a non-toxic repellent that has done
well in tests. Bite Blocker can be found at Wild Oats in Green Hills and
Franklin or at BioControl Network (see link above). If you chose to use DEET, follow
the directions carefully and wash it off your skin and clothing when you come
in.
Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk and
dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Clothing should be light colored and
made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Pant
legs should be tucked into shoes or socks, and collars should be buttoned.
Light colored clothes are less attractive to mosquitoes.
Place a fan on your deck or porch. Mosquitoes don't like the breeze!
Make sure all your windows and doors have screens and are in good repair.
EVERYTHING YOU MAY OR MAY NOT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MOSQUITOS
From: www.cmmcp.org/species.htm
Mosquito Species in Eastern and Central Mass:
There are 50 mosquito species found in Massachusetts; some are common, and
others are found less frequently. Each species has it's own unique combination
of characteristics. The presence of a particular mosquito species is dependent
on the type of nearby wetland or habitat. Examples of different habitats that
produce different mosquito species include permanent swamps, temporary
woodland pools, river flood plains, cattail swamps or artificial containers. The last
item can be almost any container which can hold stagnant water for at least a
week in the summer, including roadside highway drains, old rimless tires,
unused swimming pools, uncovered empty trash cans, and bird baths.
The species of mosquito found at any one time in an area is dependent on
temperature and season; there are early spring, late spring, summer, and
mid-summer species. Some mosquito species have several generations each summer, so
their populations increase as the summer goes along. Most mosquito species are
active primarily during dusk and dawn or during cloudy warm days. However, one
local species is active all night and some species will bite during hot sunny
days. Three of our local mosquito species will enter protected shelters such as
houses, and it is usually one of these three species that annoy people while
they are trying to sleep.
While some mosquitoes are indiscriminate about what they bite, most are
selective. Some of our mosquito species feed primarily on humans and other
mammals, while others mostly bite birds, and still others feed on amphibians (such as
frogs) or reptiles (such as snakes). Some species are very aggressive and
persistent, while others are very shy. Finally, some deliver a more annoying bite
that results in more itching.
The chance of acquiring a mosquito-borne disease in Massachusetts is
extremely rare. However, the species which are believed to transmit Eastern Equine
Encephalitis include some of the most numerous species, which on given nights
can be caught on any suburban or rural property in eastern or central
Massachusetts. West Nile Virus has been introduced into our area in the year 2000, and
continued research is showing many species of mosquito, including human biters,
adept at carrying and possibly transmitting this disease. Mosquitoes also
transmit animal diseases, and the probability of a pet dog or cat acquiring
heartworm is not so remote. It is recommended that a veterinarian monitor your pet
and administer the proper preventative medication.
Please note: the sub-genus Ochlerotatus has been elevated to genus, thus
affecting most of the Aedes classifications.
--¢ Aedes albopictus - Aedes albopictus was first collected in the
United States at a tire dump near Houston, TX in 1985. The species spread
rapidly through the southern United States and has been documented in over 25 states
over the last decade. The first record of this species in Mass. was
documented in 2000. Aedes albopictus is a multi-voltine species and should have a
seasonal distribution similar to that of Ochlerotatus triseriatus. Ae. albopictus
is an opportunistic container breeder that is capable of utilizing natural as
well as artificial container habitats. Although the mosquito is most often
associated with discarded tires in this country, it has the ability to adapt to an
exceptionally wide range of confined water sources. The mosquito is known for
its ability to survive in very small collections of water, requiring only
1/4" of depth to complete its life cycle.
--¢ Aedes cinereus - Common late spring and early summer mosquito
pest of humans and other mammals. Larvae are found in late April and May in
tussock and leather-leaf marshes.
--¢ Aedes vexans - Very common summer mosquito. This pest of humans
and other mammals can have several generations each season, so the population
may increase during the summer. Larvae are found in a wide variety of temporary
pools and wetlands. This mosquito is a suspect in the transmission of EEE
from birds to humans. After significant rain events, this mosquito can be quite
numerous and is considered a major pest of man. West Nile Virus has been
isolated from this species in 2000.
--¢ Anopheles barberi
--¢ Anopheles crucians
--¢ Anopheles earlei
--¢ Anopheles punctipennis - Found occasionally in the spring and
summer. This pest of humans and other mammals has a mildly annoying bite. The
larvae are found in a wide variety of wetlands including permanent swamps and
along the edges of ponds and slow moving streams. West Nile Virus has been
isolated from this species in 2000.
--¢ Anopheles quadrimaculatus - Common Summer mosquito. A pest of
humans and other mammals that readily enters houses and has a mildly annoying
bite. The population increases during the summer. The larvae are found in clear
water amongst low vegetation or floating debris, in permanent swamps, and along
the edges of ponds and slow moving streams.
--¢ Anopheles walkeri
--¢ Coquillettidia perturbans - Very common mid-June to mid-August
mosquito. An indiscriminate pest of birds, humans and other mammals that is
known to be a vicious biter, and will readily enter homes. The larvae are unusual
in that they are found attached to the submerged roots of cattails and a few
other aquatic plants. This trait makes this species impervious to control using
pesticides that are effective against larvae of other species. This mosquito
is suspected in the transmission of EEE from birds to humans.
--¢ Culex pipiens - Very common year round mosquito which primarily
feeds on birds. It will readily enter a house, but is considered shy. It will
typically only bite people when they are motionless, usually while they are
sleeping. The larvae are found in water holding containers and in polluted
waters. Culex pipiens are considered the primary vector of West Nile Virus. West
Nile Virus has been isolated from this species in 1999 and 2000.
--¢ Culex restuans - Culex restuans has a distribution that ranges
from central Canada south into Mexico. The mosquito is very common in the
eastern and central United States. Culex restuans undergoes a life cycle that is
typical for domestic Culex. Inseminated adult females enter hibernation in fall
and pass the winter in a period of quiescence. Culex restuans utilizes an
exceptionally wide range of larval habitats. The water used by this species can
vary from nearly clear to grossly polluted. Culex restuans regularly colonizes
temporary ground pools that remain flooded after they have produced broods of
floodwater Ochlerotatus. Culex restuans is also the first species to utilize
water that collects in discarded tires. The species can often be found in tire
water that is absolutely clear and devoid of leaf litter.
--¢ Culex salinarius - Common summer mosquito. A fierce biting pest
of birds, humans and other mammals which can have several generations in a
summer, so the population may increase during the season. This mosquito is active
all night. Larvae are found in both fresh and polluted grassy hummock areas of
permanent water swamps. West Nile Virus has been isolated from this species
in 2000.
--¢ Culex territans - Culex territans is quite common throughout most
of eastern Europe and is even found in parts of Africa. In North America, Cx.
territans extends from Alaska and Canada south through most of the United
States. Culex territans has a life cycle that is typical for most Culex species.
In late fall, inseminated adult females feed on carbohydrates and hibernate in
subterranean enclosures where they pass the winter in a state of torpor. The
mosquitoes emerge in very early spring, obtain a blood meal and lay the first
egg rafts of the season. Culex territans is a frog feeder and it is not
uncommon to see this species feeding on Spring Peepers. Egg hatch, however, may be
delayed because of the mosquito's unique oviposition habits. Unlike most Culex,
Cx. territans females rarely deposit their egg rafts directly on the surface
of the water. This mosquito normally positions the raft up on the bank and
relies on rainfall or rising water levels to flush the eggs onto the water's
surface. Culex territans shares habitat with many of the univoltine Ochlerotatus
in early spring, a variety of Anopheles sp. later in the summer and Uranotaenia
sapphirina very late in the season. The species is occasionally found in
containers but cannot tolerate even moderate levels of pollution. Culex territans
is common in farm ponds, swamps and bogs and roadside ditches. Culex territans
is one of the few species that can be collected from streams. It is not
uncommon to find larvae within the grassy margins of slow moving streams and
specimens are sometimes found in rock pool habitats normally associated with
Ochlerotatus atropalpus.
--¢ Culiseta impatiens
--¢ Culiseta inornata
--¢ Culiseta melanura - Common spring and summer mosquito. A bird-
feeding mosquito that can have several generations per year, so the population
may increase towards the end of the summer. Larvae are found in holes in the
root structures of white cedar and red maple trees in swamps. This is an
important mosquito species because it is believed to spread EEE virus through the
bird population. This mosquito does not bite humans.
--¢ Culiseta minnesotae
--¢ Culiseta morsitans - Culiseta morsitans is a mosquito of the
northern United States with a distribution that extends through Canadian Yukon
Territory into Alaska. The mosquito is fairly common in New England and upper New
York state. Records from the Atlantic coast region indicate that the species
has been collected as far south as Delaware. Culiseta morsitans has a life
cycle similar to that of the northern Ochlerotatus group of mosquitoes. The
species is considered univoltine but females are long lived and frequently appear
in light trap collections well into the summer. Unlike most members of the
Genus Culiseta, the egg rafts are deposited on damp earth, probably deep within
the Carex tussocks that are so common in their breeding habitat. Mature stands
of red maple that grow in 12-18" of early spring ground water provide typical
habitat. Uprooted trees are common in many of the swamps that support this
species and tussocks of Carex serve as indicators of the semi-permanent nature of
the habitat
--¢ Ochlerotatus abserratus - Very common early spring to early
summer mosquito pest of humans and other mammals. Larvae are found in temporary
spring pools and margins of permanent waters in April. Readily bites in shaded
areas during the day.
--¢ Ochlerotatus atropalpus - Uncommon mosquito in Massachusetts, but
can be a pest of man as our data has shown. This species is known as the
"rockpool" mosquito, which describes it's preferred habitat, but data from New
Jersey has shown that it has become well adapted to artificial containers such
used tire casings.
--¢ Ochlerotatus aurifer - Found occasionally in the spring and early
summer. Vicious biting pest of humans and other mammals. Larvae are found in
the spring in open marshes.
--¢ Ochlerotatus canadensis - Common late spring and summer mosquito.
Fierce biting pest of humans and other mammals. Larvae are abundant in late
spring and found occasionally during the summer in woodland pools, swamp
borders and grassy hummock areas. This long-lived mosquito is the primary suspect in
the transmission of heartworm to dogs and a possible suspect in the
transmission of EEE from birds to humans.
--¢ Ochlerotatus cantator - A mosquito more common in salt marsh
areas, but has been collected in the Central Massachusetts area. Larvae can be
found in freshwater habitat that received runoff from streets and highways that
receive salt during the winter. Is considered a pest of man, but not considered
common in this area. when adult samples are found, it is likely that they
developed elsewhere.
--¢ Ochlerotatus communis - Ochlerotatus communis is a true snowpool
species, common throughout the northern United States and Canada into Alaska.
Throughout its range, the species is associated with heavily forested areas at
high elevations. Ochlerotatus communis larvae are most common in deep
snowpools filled with dark colored water in forested areas above elevations of 1500
ft. In most cases, Oc. communis is the only large mosquito in the pools
although in some years, small numbers of another northern species, Ochlerotatus
provocans, may be intermixed.
--¢ Ochlerotatus decticus
--¢ Ochlerotatus diantaeus
--¢ Ochlerotatus dorsalis - Ochlerotatus dorsalis has distribution
that extends over the greater portion of North American northern Europe and into
Asia. In the United States, the mosquito reaches greatest abundance from the
plains states to the Pacific coast. In the east, it has been reported in
lesser numbers across the Great Lakes states to the east coast states of
Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey. Ochlerotatus dorsalis overwinters in the egg
stage and the eggs hatch after flooding during the first warm weather in the
spring. Oc. dorsalis is well known for its capacity to migrate long distances.
The adults are strong fliers and have been traced for 22 miles in Utah and
more than 30 miles in California. As a result, the mosquito has been recognized
as a chance migrant in some areas of its range. Ochlerotatus dorsalis larvae
occur in a variety of habitats including both brackish and freshwater. They are
found in large numbers on tidal marshes of the Pacific coast. The species is
also common along the margins of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Ochlerotatus
dorsalis can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats including marshes,
temporary pools formed by precipitation, natural springs and irrigation water. The
larvae Oc. dorsalis have been found in association with numerous other
mosquito species. In Utah, the species has been found breeding with 18 other species
of mosquitoes including Ochlerotatus vexans, Culex tarsalis and Culiseta
inornata . In New York, under saline conditions, the larvae have been found with
Ochlerotatus sollicitans.
--¢ Ochlerotatus excrucians - Very common mid spring and early summer
mosquito pest of humans and other mammals. Larvae are found in a wide range
of wetland habitats. This mosquito is a suspect in the transmission of
heartworm to dogs. Isolated specimens have been found throughout the summer months.
--¢ Ochlerotatus fitchii - Oc. fitchii is a mosquito of the northern
United States and Southern portion of Canada. Its range extends from Maine to
New Jersey on the eastern seaboard, west to northern Nevada and north into
British Columbia. Oc. fitchii is a univoltine species with a typical northern
Ochlerotatus life cycle. In Massachusetts, the single generation of eggs hatch in
April and the larvae reach 4th instar during the early part of May. Egg hatch
may be staggered during the early season and a variety of instars can be
collected from different habitats in the same geographic area. Adults are on the
wing in May, blood feed and deposit their eggs which do not hatch until the
following spring. Oc. fitchii has been reported from a wide variety of habitats
but the species is most common in semi-permanent bodies of water in open areas
that support emergent vegetation.
--¢ Ochlerotatus grossbecki - Oc. grossbecki is recognized as a
mosquito of the southeastern United States, but the species is found in
Massachusetts on occasion. The mosquito occurs at low levels throughout the more southern
areas of the state. Oc. grossbecki is one of the earliest mosquitoes to hatch
from overwintering eggs. Development is rapid, considering the cold water
that is present in the early Spring. Oc. grossbecki is on the wing before most
mosquito control agencies put out their surveillance traps, however, the species
persists until early summer and can be represented in low numbers in trap
collections during May and June. The larvae of Ae. grossbecki are most common in
flooded woodlands where mature Red Maple and Beech are the dominant trees.
Decomposing leaves add tannins to the aquatic habitat and in most cases, habitat
water is so dark that a white dipper submerged more than 2 ft below the
surface cannot be clearly detected.
--¢ Ochlerotatus hendersoni
--¢ Ochlerotatus implicatus
--¢ Ochlerotatus intrudens
--¢ Ochlerotatus japonicus japonicus - New species found in Mass. in
2000. This species was first found in New York & New Jersey in 1998, then
Connecticut in 1999. This mosquito is native to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and southern
China. It's preferred habitat is artificial containers and discarded tire
casings. It is not believed at this time to be a voracious biter of man, however
research done by CMMCP has shown it can be a pest. West Nile Virus has been
isolated from this species in 2000.
--¢ Ochlerotatus provocans
--¢ Ochlerotatus punctor
--¢ Ochlerotatus sollicitans - Very common summer mosquito found
primarily along the coast. This aggressive mosquito will bite on a hot sunny day
and is known to fly long distances, so it occasionally turns up in our
district. Larvae are found on the edges of salt marshes.
--¢ Ochlerotatus sticticus
--¢ Ochlerotatus stimulans - Spring mosquito that has been shown by
data collection to be found well into the summer months. Has a singe generation
like all spring mosquitoes, and is not considered a vector of disease at this
time. Readily bites mammals, and can be a common pest in the spring.
--¢ Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus - The black salt marsh mosquito is a
severe biter of man and livestock along the southern coasts from North
Carolina to Florida and in the Caribbean. Unchecked populations can have a major
economic impact. While capable of transmitting eastern equine encephalitis and St.
Louis encephalitis in the laboratory, it is not a major vector of these d
iseases in nature. It is, however, an important natural vector of dog heartworm
and Venezuelan equine encephalitis. The black salt marsh mosquito is found on
the coastal plains from Massachusetts to Texas, in California along the Pacific
Coast and in the Caribbean. It is more abundant in the south. This mosquito
breeds in the upper regions of grass salt marshes where it is generally
associated with spike grass (Distichlis spicata) and salt meadow hay (Spartina patens
). In the south, production also occurs in the high marsh associated with
mangroves, saltwort (Batis maritima) and glassworts (Salicornia species). It also
breeds on dredge disposal islands along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
During the mosquito season, a portion of each egg clutch will hatch when flooded.
Productive salt marsh sites are flooded at irregular intervals by wind or
lunar tides, or heavy rainfall. Bacteria and other microorganisms provide an
abundant food supply. in the field, hundreds to thousands of mature larvae often
form tightly clustered "balls" which are thought to be associated with feeding,
Under optimal conditions, emergence of adults can occur in as little as six
days following egg hatch. Host seeking occurs in the evening and to a lesser
extent in the morning. Females do not seek hosts to any great extent during
darkness. In daytime, hosts that move near resting females may be attacked. The
black salt marsh mosquito will feed on birds as well as mammals. All populations
in Florida exhibit some autogeny which refers to an ability of females to
develop eggs without taking a bloodmeal. At northern latitudes, eggs enter
diapause in response to decreasing day length and water temperature; breeding can
occur year round in the extreme south.
--¢ Ochlerotatus triseriatus - Common summer mosquito. A pest of
humans and other mammals. Most of these larvae actually are found in old rimless
tires, although some are found in other shaded artificial containers and in
tree holes. When this mosquito is a pest, it's breeding source is usually close
by. West Nile Virus has been isolated from this species in 2000.
--¢ Ochlerotatus trivittatus - Common summer mosquito. Larvae are
found in floodwater pools in both swamps and marshes. This pest is a persistent
biter, and will even bite during the day.
--¢ Orthopodomyia signifera
--¢ Psorophora ciliata
--¢ Psorophora columbiae - Psorophora columbiae, formerly known as
Ps. confinnis, is a widespread pest from Florida, where it is known as the
'glades mosquito," to New York. Scattered populations exist in Massachusetts and
across the United States westward to California. The species is found in Mexico,
Central America, the Caribbean and South America to Argentina. Psorophora
columbiae reaches its greatest abundance in the rice growing areas of the
southwestern U. S. where astronomical numbers, similar in magnitude to the production
of saltmarsh mosquitoes, may occur. Eggs are deposited on moist soil which is
subject to flooding by water from rainfall or irrigation. The incubation
period is about 3-5 days in the rice growing areas of Arkansas. The larvae mature
rapidly during the hot summer, often developing from first instar to pupae in
as few as 3.5 days. The larvae develop in temporary shallow freshwater pools
and puddles where there is vegetation. The larvae may occasionally be found in
slightly brackish water. Ideal sites for Production of larvae are ricefields,
grassy roadside ditches, and grassy swales. The normal flight range of this
mosquito is at least 6-8 miles; however, much longer distances have been
recorded. The mosquito is readily attracted to light, and the New Jersey light trap
is commonly used to monitor populations. The females are furious biters in day
or night. Hosts include any warm blooded animal; however bovine blood seems to
be preferred.
--¢ Psorophora ferox
--¢ Toxorhynchities rutilus septentrionalis - Predatory mosquitoes in
the genus Toxorhynchites are the most common arthropods which have been used
for control of "container-breeding" mosquitoes. The combination of carnivorous
larvae and innocuous adults is very attractive in biological control.
Successful biological control has been reported using Toxorhynchites species from
Japan, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and the United States. Most of the 71
species of Toxorhynchites are found in forested tropical regions throughout the
world. At least one, Toxorhynchites rutilus, has a subspecies (septentrionalis)
that is found as far north as 40 degrees N latitude in Connecticut and southern
New York. Limited collections have been made in the CMMCP area in Millbury and
Worcester. The other subspecies of Toxorhynchites rutilus found in mainland
United States, Tr. rutilus, has been reported only from Florida, Georgia and
Louisiana. Toxorhynchites are unusually large mosquitoes; the wingspan may
exceed 12 mm; the body length may exceed 7 mm. Adults are frequently covered with
iridescent scales and the proboscis has a pronounced 90 degree downward curve.
Fourth instar larvae may be more than 2 cm in length. Adults feed on plant
nectars. A few species are precocious and do not need nectar to initiate
oviposition. Protein used in reproduction is apparently entirely derived from larval
feeding, although some nectars may provide modest amounts of some amino acids.
Cumbersome in flight, they are most frequently seen resting near treeholes or
engaging in their characteristic elliptical oviposition flight patterns at the
mouth of natural and man-made containers. They are not known to oviposit in
small ponds or other open water such as ground pools. Larvae feed on the living
macroinvertebrates inhabiting flooded treeholes, bromeliads and man-made
containers. They are dependent on movement for prey location. Although they are
more successful in feeding on mosquitoes, eating as many as 400 larvae during
their larval development periods, they can successfully complete larval
development with artificial protein sources such as water fleas (Daphnia) or brine
shrimp. Cannibalism is not uncommon, especially in small containers, but
containers such as tires with ample food supplies may support half a dozen or more
similarly sized larvae. Larval behavior is especially intriguing with feeding
dependent on prey size and availability. Wanton killing of prey without feeding
has been reported. All known species are multivoltine. In the United States,
Toxorhynchites generally overwinter as late larval instars. Diapause is
controlled by day length, rather than temperature. Although the use of Toxorhynchites
alone is unlikely to reduce pest or vector species below operational
thresholds, they can be a valuable tool in areas where containers and treeholes
contribute substantially to the standing crop of mosquitoes. However, they are highly
susceptible to insecticides, and care has to be exercised in the timing of
release of Toxorhynchites and application of insecticide sprays. Their large
size and docile appearance create the opportunity for them to serve as focal
points for public awareness campaigns aimed at the cleanup of man-made containers
that are used as breeding sites by pest mosquitoes.
--¢ Uranotaenia sapphirina - Uranotaenia sapphirina is found from
southeastern Canada to Florida along the eastern seaboard of the United States.
Its range extends into the central states west to North Dakota and south into
Mexico. Uranotaenia sapphirina has a life cycle that is similar to many of the
Culex species. The adult females enter hibernation after they have been
inseminated in the fall, pass the winter in a state of torpor and emerge in late
spring to initiate a multivoltine breeding season. The species lays unique egg
rafts that float partially submerged on the water's surface. Larvae are rarely
evident until July, but peak sharply during the month of August. Larvae persist
in prime breeding habitat into the month of September but decline sharply
with the onset of cool weather. The brightly ornamented adults do not fly far
from their breeding site but are readily attracted to artificial light. Light
traps that are placed near suitable breeding habitat frequently give an
overestimation of this species' population density during the summer months.
Uranotaenia sapphirina is a mosquito that is almost always associated with permanent and
semipermanent ponds that support rich stands of emergent and floating
vegetation. In many areas of Massachusetts, Duckweed (Lemna sp.) appears to be an
indicator plant. The larvae often congregate in large numbers among the tiny
leaves and trailing roots of this floating aquatic plant. Water depth can vary
from a few inches to several feet in the swampland utilized by this species.
Uranotaenia sapphirina larvae usually avoid shade and are usually found in
greatest abundance in sunlit areas of the breeding habitat.
--¢ Wyeomyis smithii - Wyeomyia smithii belongs to the tribe
Sabethini, a group of 12 mosquito genera that share more biological than taxonomic
characteristics. The tribe is well represented in the New World tropics. Wyeomyia
is the only sabethine genus that occurs in North America. Wyeomyia smithii
has a distribution that extends from Newfoundland south to Delaware, west to
northern Illinois and northwest into Saskatchewan. The mosquito's distribution
corresponds to the range of the northern pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea
gibbosa. Another pitcher plant mosquito, Wyeomyia haynei, is found in the southern
pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea venosa, from Maryland to South Carolina.
The range of the two pitcher plant mosquitoes does not appear to overlap.
Wyeomyia smithii is a multivoltine mosquito that completes its entire life cycle in
the immediate vicinity of its predacious host plant. The females deposit
their eggs directly on the water within the plant or just above the waterline in
older leaves. The larvae live in the liquid of the plant and feed on the
carcasses of insects and spiders being digested by the plant enzymes. Multiple
generations take place from spring through fall. Late in the season, the females
attach eggs to young leaves, before they become filled with water. The species
overwinters as a larva frozen in a block of ice within the plant. The
overwintering larvae pupate during the month of May and are usually on the wing by
June. Wyeomyia smithii is an obligate inhabitant of the predacious pitcher plant
and has never been reported from any other larval habitat.
Additional species descriptions will be added in the near future. Please
check back soon.
Credit must be given for the information complied here to Dave Henley at the
East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, Dr. Wayne Crans at Rutgers
University, Tim Deschamps and Curtis Best at the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control
Project, as well as the Massachusetts Entomologist group.
_____________________________
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