Which statement about Psorophora columbiae is true?

• A. Adults emerge in large numbers.
• B. Eggs are laid only in tree cavities.
• C. Larvae are aquatic herbivores.
• D. They are not present in Georgia.

Answer: (A)

Psorophora columbiae is a floodwater mosquito, and its defining feature is explosive, mass emergence after rainfall when temporary pools flood. That rapid, large-scale emergence of adults is why the statement about them appearing in large numbers is true.

These mosquitoes lay eggs on surfaces that will be flooded, such as margins of temporary pools or damp soil, not exclusively in tree cavities. The larvae live in the water and feed on microorganisms and detritus rather than being herbivores on aquatic plants. And this species does occur in Georgia, so the idea that they are not present there isn’t correct.