A Report on Haemagogus Mosquitoes in the United States with Notes on Identification (Diptera: Culicidae)1

Abstract

During the l956 and 1957 approximately 190 collections were made from tree holes along the Texas-Mexico border between Brownsville and El Paso in search of Haemagogus equinus Theobald. This jungle mosquito, a known vector of the yellow fever virus, has only recently been reported from the United States. Tree-hole breeding mosquitoes of several species were recovered in 55 of the collections but H. equinus was found only six times (three times in one cavity) and only in the Brownsville region, where other workers have also recorded this species. It seems well established in the Brownsville area but its population is probably small as compared with those of other tree-hole mosquitoes. Several larvae were collected that may represent a species other than H. equinus. Methods of distinguishing H. equinus from other mosquitoes in this country are discussed, and a key is included for all mosquito larvae known to occur in tree holes in the eastern half of the United States. Additional studies are necessary before positive conclusions can be drawn regarding the possible future status and importance of Haemagogus mosquitoes in this country.