The Black tailed mosquito corresponds to which species?

• A. Culiseta melanura
• B. Aedes vexans
• C. Ochlerotatus triseriatus
• D. Psorophora ciliata

Answer: (A)

The Black-tailed mosquito is Culiseta melanura. This species is the one most commonly associated with the “black-tailed” descriptor in field guides, reflecting its dark tail/abdomen appearance. Culiseta melanura typically inhabits wooded swamps and marshy wetlands and tends to bite birds, which is why it’s well-known as a primary enzootic vector for eastern equine encephalitis in the eastern United States. The other species listed have different habitats or behaviors: Aedes vexans is a floodwater biter that readily bites humans after rains; Aedes triseriatus (Ochlerotatus triseriatus) is associated with tree holes and is a La Crosse virus vector; Psorophora ciliata is another floodwater species. So the bird-focused, woodland swamp specialist aligns with the Black-tailed name.