Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus is a common mosquito in Jacksonville.  It is more commonly known as the Black Salt Marsh Mosquito because of the areas where it tends to breed and be found.  This mosquito tends to be classified as a pest mosquito, though she can transmit Dog Heartworms and has been found infected with West Nile Virus.  Not much is known, though on her ability to transmit WN to humans.

Description: The Black Salt Marsh Mosquito is small to medium in size.  It is dark brown to black in coloration with white stripes on the abdomen and legs.  Do not confuse this mosquito with the Asian Tiger Mosquito.  The difference would be that there are no markings on this mosquito's back.

Home: Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus breeds in the upper regions of Jacksonville's salt marshes.  These marshes encompass a wide area of the city, so the breeding area is vast.  The adult mosquito lays her eggs on the damp soil and when the tides are high, these areas flood, and the eggs hatch.  Another interesting fact is that this mosquito will fly up to 25 miles to find a blood meal!  They use prevailing winds to carry them when they fly.

Feeding: This mosquito is opportunistic, feeding on whatever is available,  but it prefers mammals. This mosquito is more likely to actively feed at dusk and dawn.

Reduction/Elimination: Reduction and elimination is difficult for the homeowner.  Mosquito Control uses aircraft to treat wide areas of marsh in effort to reduce larval populations.

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