Country intro
Culex pipiens female on a flower
Culex pipiens s.s., as well as its tropical vicarient Culex quinquefasciatus, are members of the Culex pipiens complex. Cx pipiens s.s. is a synanthropic mosquito with a widespread distribution in temperate regions. This species occurs as two biological forms, Cx. pipiens pipiens and Cx. pipiens molestus, which exhibit important behavioural and physiological differences. The molestus form has a greater tendancy to feed upon humans and other mamals whereas the pipiens form prefers avian hosts. The adaptation of Cx. pipiens complex to human environments and hosts
while predominantly feeding on birds increases zoonotic disease risk. Culex pipiens is the main vector for West Nile virus, and many other pathogens.
''Culex pipiens'' is a species of blood-feeding mosquito of the family Culicidae. It is a vector of some diseases, such as Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, and urticaria. In the US and parts of Europe, it can spread West Nile virus, and in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, it has been demonstrated to be a vector of Usutu virus.
