Verrallina spermathecus
| Verrallina spermathecus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Culicidae |
| Genus: | Verrallina |
| Subgenus: | Neomacleaya |
| Species: | V. spermathecus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Verrallina spermathecus (Wijesundara, 1951)[1]
| |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Verrallina spermathecus is a species of mosquito in the genus Verrallina, first described by Wijesundara in 1951 as Aedes spermathecus.[1] This species is known to occur in Sri Lanka.
Ecology and behavior
[edit]Verrallina spermathecus likely breeds in temporary water sources such as flood pools, puddles, and natural containers like plant axils, consistent with the habits of other species in the genus.[2] It is typically found in jungle areas and coastal mangroves. Females of this species may bite humans, particularly in shaded areas during the day, though they are primarily zoophilic, preferring to feed on animals rather than humans.[2]
Medical significance
[edit]There is no specific evidence to suggest that Verrallina spermathecus is a major vector of diseases such as dengue or malaria.[3][4] However, as with many mosquito species, its potential to transmit diseases remains a possibility that requires further investigation due to limited research on this specific species.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Reinert, John F. (1999). "Restoration of Verrallina to generic rank in the tribe Aedini (Diptera: Culicidae) and descriptions of the genus and three included subgenera" (PDF). Contributions of the American Entomological Institute. 31 (3): 3–83. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
- ^ a b "Verrallina". Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "About Vector-Borne Diseases". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Vector-borne diseases". World Health Organization. Retrieved 30 March 2025.