Mosquito on Flower

Armigeres subalbatus (Diptera: Culicidae) is a mosquito species of significant medical and veterinary importance. These mosquitoes are large and aggressive, distributed across tropical regions of Asia. They are most active at dusk and dawn, and their host-seeking behavior is influenced by the moon's phases. Larvae live in pools of foul water, while adults are found in dark forests. Adult females primarily bite humans, but will also feed on animals like birds, cows, and rabbits. Armigeres subalbatus has been proven to be a vector for various pathogens including parasites and viruses, such as Japanese encephalitis, Zika, and filariasis. Climate change may cause their distribution to expand. The bite of an Armigeres subalbatus can cause a range of symptoms, from a mild fever to severe neurological implications. In severe cases, the consequences can be critical, including paralysis or death. An Armigeres subalbatus mosquito sits on an invasive species wildflower Lantana (Lantana camara) at Tehatta, West Bengal, India on 21/12/2024.