Go to: Medically Important Mosquitoes | Mosquito Lit | Mosquito ID Keys
Culicidae > Culicinae > Sabethini

Distribution
Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vanuatu, Vietnam
Distribution map

Synonyms
None

Bionomics
The genus Tripteroides includes domestic and forest species. The larvae inhabit small collections of water in tree-holes, bamboo, coconut shells and husks, fallen leaves, leaf axils, flower bracts, pitcher plants, and snail shells. A few species occur in artificial containers, and Tr. tasmaniensis has been collected in rock-holes. Larvae usually lie upside down on the bottom of the cavity. They feed on arthropods or their remains. Larvae of the subgenus Rachisoura are predacious. The adults appear to be active during the daytime. A few species attack and bite humans, but nothing is known about the feeding habits of most species. Among the Oriental species only Tr. aranoides is known to bite humans. Some species have become pests in northwestern Australia where they invade houses.

Important References >> 		habitus image Representative species shown here:
Tripteroides aranoides

Genus-specific Diagnostic Characters, Adult Stage:
To view detail images, click on character description below. Image will open in a separate window. (Pop-up windows must be enabled in your browser settings.)
1. Prespiracular setae present,
2. Erect scales of head restricted to occiput only,
3. Upper calypter of wing with one or more setae or hair-like scales,
4. Acrostichal setae absent.

Recommended characters:
5. Lower mesepimeral setae absent,
6. Postspiracular setae absent.

Genus-specific Diagnostic Characters, Larval Stage >>

Medical Importance
No species of Tripteroides are known to be involved in the transmission of pathogenic agents, and only a few species in certain locations appear to be pests of humans.