Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans (Inland Floodwater Mosquito)

Aedes vexans (Inland Floodwater Mosquito) is generally the most abundant mosquito found throughout South Dakota, and is one of the main "pest" mosquitoes found throughout the Northern Plains. Females feed on humans and domesticated animals. They are most active at night, but will feed during the day in shady areas. Aedes vexans females are medium in size and brown to dark gray in color. They are characterized by dark tarsi with narrow basal white rings. Aedes vexans overwinters in the egg stage, and the eggs hatch in early spring when breeding places become flooded. Not all hatching occurs at this time. Some larvae may hatch in later summer when pools become dry and are later reflooded. Aedes vexans is capable of carrying the West Nile Virus, but does not play a significant role in transmission in this area.