Anopheles quadrimaculatus is known commonly as the Malaria Mosquito.  It is the primary mosquito for transmitting malaria in Eastern North America.  Since the formation of organized mosquito control in Florida, the number of locally acquired cases of malaria has diminished state wide.  There have been a few reported outbreaks; the last was in 2003 in West Palm Beach.  Eight residents were infected by mosquitoes from the area.  Historically, most people infected have travelled to areas outside the United States where malaria is still common.

Description: Anopheles quadrimaculatus is a medium sized mosquito that is dark brown to black in color.  A distinctive feature is a grouping of four spots on the wings.  

Home: These mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in permanent pools of water with vegetation, such as ponds, and swamps. The mosquito develops from egg to adult in about two weeks.

Feeding: The Malaria Mosquito prefers to bite large mammals and humans after dusk.

Reduction/Elimination: It is difficult for the homeowner to control the breeding site of this mosquito.  To prevent the adult from biting, follow the 5 D's, as recommended by the Florida Department of Health.  Mosquito Control is constantly monitoring known breeding sites and inspecting for new ones.

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