Golden-blue Biocontrol Mosquito
Size about 22mm. I am pretty confident that it is Toxorhynchites speciosus which I read might be the largest mosquito. This species - I believe in the larval stage - is said to feed on other mosquitos which makes them a natural biocontrol agent in the fight against mosquito borne diseases. They don't need blood to breed, therefore are no nuisance to humans. The species has a very long, backwards bent proboscis, and two antennal plumes, lateral eyes on a narrow head. Body is shimmering golden and some parts in blue. Long legs. The end of the abdomen is fluffy orange-yellow which some authors interpret as a face mimick. The mosquito was found on a private property in a Southwest Brisbane suburb. Update 9/4/2017: Yesterday, I found many individuals in suburban Brisbane on a gum tree with large bark grooves. While I was looking for some interesting spiders on this tree, I could swear these mosquitos are singing. They are making loud noises in different (of course: high) frequencies. Well, it might have been wood fairies :-). I am wondering what habitat this species prefers. A few weeks back I even found one in our own garden where it is definitely not common.
Read More2 / 6
- No Comments