About Culex erraticus (Dyar & Knab, 1906)
Culex erraticus translates to the Erratic Mosquito in English, and is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. It is widespread throughout Florida, but rare in the northeastern United States. Its range extends north to Connecticut and Ontario, west to Nebraska, and south to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It can also be found in the southernmost part of California. Female Culex erraticus can be aggressive biters, and they take blood meals from birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. This species is frequently infected with Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), and may be a public health concern due to its potential to transmit this arbovirus to humans. Culex erraticus lays eggs in floating clusters called "egg rafts" on the edges of aquatic plant leaves. Recorded aquatic plants where this mosquito has laid eggs include Eichhornia crassipes, Salvinia molesta, Salvinia minima, and Lemna minor. In Central Florida, these mosquitoes are known to overwinter in gopher tortoise burrows from October through February.
