Another new mosquito species has made its way into Florida from the tropics, settling in at least three counties.
Scientists are concerned about the number of new mosquitos arriving in Florida and their ability to transmit mosquito-borne diseases.
Culex Lactator
According to a new study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology by professors at the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (UF/IFAS FMEL), a mosquito known only by its scientific name, Culex lactator, is the newest to establish in the Sunshine State.
“There are about 90 mosquito species living in Florida, and that list is growing as new mosquito species are introduced to the state from elsewhere in the world,” said Lawrence Reeves, lead author of the study and an assistant professor and mosquito biologist at the UF/IFAS research center in Vero Beach.
Reeves explained why additional research on the Culex lactator mosquito, which is widespread throughout Central America and northern South America, is needed.
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Florida Faces Challenges Of Mosquito-Transmitted Diseases
Because of its tropical climate, Florida is vulnerable to a range of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as the West Nile virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya. However, researchers are unsure whether the Culex lactator would exacerbate these issues.
Researchers are concerned that as the world continues to warm, tropical mosquito species will become more likely to establish themselves in Florida. Residents are encouraged to remove standing water from their property before the rainy season comes in a few months to minimize mosquito breeding grounds.
There are about 3,600 different varieties of mosquitos in the globe. According to a University of Florida research, up to 17 nonnative mosquito species have established themselves throughout the state.
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