The most common mosquitoes in Michigan.

Image by smccann via Flickr

          

It was nice to have the rains but now the mosquitoes are out in full force. Michigan State University Entomologist Ned Walker reported to several news agencies that he believes this is the highest mosquito population we've seen in about 20 years.

There are about 60 species of mosquitoes buzzing around Michigan. We have 3 major types of Mosquitoes: Permanent Water Mosquitoes, Floodwater Mosquitoes, and Artificial Container/ Tree Hole Mosquitoes.

The types of mosquitoes in the Summer Floodwater Mosquitoes group have the fastest breeding cycle and are the most common in Michigan. Larvae can hatch, after summer storms that produce as little as 1 inch of water, from eggs that may have rested in the ground for years.

The Psorophora ciliata (Gallinipper Mosquito) is the largest mosquito in Michigan. This 1/2 inch long, ­yellow/brown, floodwater mosquito has shaggy striped legs and is a vicious biter attacking during the daytime as well as evening. I haven't seen it but I do have the creepy crawlies now. 

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Sources:

• Expert: Worst Mosquito Season In 20 Years http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/08/09/entomologist-worst-mosquito-season-in-20-years/
• Michigan Mosquito Control Association http://www.mimosq.org/mosquitoes.htm