About Culex territans Walker, 1856
Culex territans Walker, 1856, commonly known as the Northern Frog-Biting Mosquito, is a mosquito species distributed across North America, Europe, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. In terms of ecology, adult female Culex territans overwinter in protected, humid underground environments such as caves. In northern Europe, overwintering females occur in caves alongside three other mosquito species: Culex pipiens, Culex torrentium, and Culiseta annulata. The larvae of this species develop in clean, vegetation-rich ponds. Regarding medical and veterinary importance, Culex territans primarily feeds on frogs, so it does not pose a direct threat to human health as a pathogen vector. However, individual Culex territans have been found carrying West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and the species will occasionally feed on humans, meaning it is a potential public health concern. Adult female Cx. territans have been recorded hosting a range of other pathogens including anuran trypanosomes, ranaviruses, and filarial worms. This species is also capable of mechanically transmitting chytrid fungus spores between frogs.
