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Culicidae > Culicinae > Aedini

Distribution
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Neth. Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela

Distribution map

Synonyms
None

Bionomics
The larvae of all Haemagogus species live in cavities. They are found mainly in tree-holes and bamboo, but are often found in the axils of bromeliads, fallen fruit husks, and occasionally in ground pools, rock-holes, and artificial containers in urban areas. Haemagogus adults are active during the daylight hours. They inhabit primary and secondary tropical forests, open deciduous forests, and mangroves. Species which inhabit primary forest are largely arboreal and feed primarily in the forest canopy. Many species readily attack humans in forest clearings, open secondary growth, and littoral situations associated with mangroves.

Important References >> 		habitus image Representative species shown here:
Haemagogus janthinomys

Genus-specific Diagnostic Characters, Adult Stage:
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1. Scales (or rarely setae) on paratergite present,
2. Lower mesepimeral setae absent,
3. Antenna distinctly shorter than proboscis,
4. Eyes not separated above antennae by a covering of flat silver scales,
5. Lateral surface of thorax with silver scales in a broad vertical band OR
5a. Lateral surface of thorax with silver scales in 3 vertical bands, extending from scutum to coxae.

Recommended characters:
6. Prespiracular setae absent,
7. Base of hindcoxa in line with or slightly above base of mesomeron,

Genus-specific Diagnostic Characters, Larval Stage >>

Medical Importance
Several species, including Hg. janthinomys, Hg. equinus, Hg. lucifer, Hg. leucocelaenus, Hg. spegazzinii, and Hg. capricornii are vectors of sylvatic yellow fever virus. Ilheus virus has been isolated from Hg. janthinomys and Hg. spegazzinii in Panama and from Hg. leucocelaenus in Brazil.