Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Gorgeous French Guianan mosquito

Posted by ChrisR on 20-01-2012 15:03
#1

Here is a lovely mosquito, taken in French Guianan by Stephane Brule - can anyone suggest an ID for it?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 20-01-2012 21:29
#2

Toxorhynchites, probably haemorrhoidalis male

Edited by Tony Irwin on 20-01-2012 21:30

Posted by ChrisR on 20-01-2012 21:45
#3

Wow, thanks Tony - I'm very impressed! :D

Are these just normal mozzies or do they have interesting life histories to go with the amazing colours?

Edited by ChrisR on 20-01-2012 21:45

Posted by Graeme Cocks on 20-01-2012 23:47
#4

Australian Toxorhynchites speciosus preys on other mosquitoes, or rather the larva do. So they are the good guys of the mosquito world.

Posted by ChrisR on 21-01-2012 00:15
#5

Graeme Cocks wrote:
Australian Toxorhynchites speciosus preys on other mosquitoes, or rather the larva do. So they are the good guys of the mosquito world.

Thanks Graeme - I found this page at Wikipedia too. Fascinating! :)

Posted by Graeme Cocks on 21-01-2012 00:29
#6

I can find a couple of males every year, in winter, resting on a masonary block wall at the back of the house. They are so large you can hear them buzzing as you walk past. Must be something about the location that attracts the males.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 21-01-2012 00:50
#7

As Graham and Wikipedia point out they do have interesting life histories. The iridescent colours are not exclusive to this genus - see http://www.dipter...to_id=5623