Species Insects & ArthropodsGallinipper Mosquito

Gallinipper Mosquito

Psorophora ciliata

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Gallinipper Mosquito (Psorophora ciliata)

The Gallinipper is one of the largest mosquitoes in North America, with females up to three times the size of the common house mosquito, bearing striking black-and-white banding on its legs. Its painful bite and impressive size have earned it a fearsome reputation. It breeds in floodwater pools and can appear in large numbers following heavy rainfall in the Southeast.

Habitat
Floodwater pools, swamps, and temporary ponds of the Southeast
Diet
Females: blood of large mammals. Males: plant nectar. Larvae: organic matter in water
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Gallinipper Mosquito

The best time to see a Gallinipper Mosquito is May–August, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,562 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Gallinipper Mosquito sightings near you

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