Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)

On Boneset (Eupatorium sp.) at the edge of a dense mixed forest.

As its name implies, this mosquito is gigantic! However, the adults are nectar feeders (not blood-feeders), so there is no need to fret! Also, their larvae feed on other mosquito species! If anything, I would say that this is a good mosquito to have around!
Another found August 24:

comments (6)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Excellent species intro. I imagine putting those 2 words together, elephant and mosquito, will surely freak out most. Posted 6 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Exactly! When I first saw it, I was definitely startled by its size. And then I was wondering why it was more interested in flowers than me! :D Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Lucky! These are so gorgeous <3. The larvae have been used for biocontrol of Aedes mosquitoes, and research indicates that Tx. rutilus will kill other mosquito larvae even when they are not hungry and have no intention of eating them! Although, I do wonder what non-target larvae are also devoured by Toxorhynchites. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      That is great to hear! This is the second one I've seen near the house in two days, so I'm wondering if they are helping control our mosquito population (we don't have that many, to be honest). Posted 6 years ago
    2. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      P.S. Check out the antennae on the male in the other photo! :O Zoom in! Posted 6 years ago
    3. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        He's gorgeous! Posted 6 years ago

The Elephant mosquito

''Toxorhynchites rutilus'', known generally as the elephant mosquito or treehole predatory mosquito, is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae.

Info 3 0

Similar species: True Flies

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling