About Toxorhynchites rutilus (Coquillett, 1896)
Toxorhynchites rutilus, abbreviated Tx. rutilus, is one of the largest mosquito species. Adults can reach up to 7 mm in length and 12 mm in wingspan, while the fourth larval instar can grow to 20 mm — a size comparable to the diameter of a penny. Unlike most other mosquitoes, adult male and female Tx. rutilus are roughly the same size. Although the genus Toxorhynchites has a global distribution, all 91 described species in this genus share very similar morphological features, which makes identifying individual Toxorhynchites species difficult. As with most other species in the Toxorhynchites genus, Tx. rutilus has a distinct, strongly recurved proboscis. Adult Tx. rutilus have iridescent purple and golden scales covering their abdomen, wings, and legs. Their femurs are mostly covered in dark scales, while their tarsi are mostly white. Tx. rutilus larvae are generally dark brown or red, with prominent hairs on their abdomen. Species belonging to the Toxorhynchites subgenus Lynchiella occur in the New World. Most Lynchiella species live in tropical regions, and Tx. rutilus is one of the few temperate species in this subgenus. Tx. rutilus is native to the Southern United States, where it occurs across Florida and South Carolina. The subspecies Toxorhynchites rutilus septentrionalis, abbreviated Tx. r. septentrionalis, has a broader distribution than the nominate subspecies Tx. r. rutilus. It can be found as far north as Southern Canada and as far west as Texas.
