75 - Cryptic habitat of Culiseta melanura in Massachusetts

Culiseta melanura spends its larval stage in cryptic habitats under Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) and red maple (Acer rubrum) trees. This habitat is segregated from open water and can be a barrier to larvicide treatment. Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEv) is an arbovirus endemic to the eastern United States. Human cases are rare but can be serious. The primary enzootic vector is Cs. melanura, a bird-biting mosquito. This mosquito has been shown to amplify EEEv in the bird population and abundant populations of Cs. melanura help to trigger large EEEv outbreaks. This habitat is unique, large and important in Southeastern MA.