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Culicidae > Culicinae > Aedini

Distribution
New Zealand

Distribution map

Synonyms
None

Bionomics
Opifex larvae occur in coastal rock-pools containing brackish, saline, or hypersaline water. They have also been collected from a hole in a tree trunk projecting over the seashore, a fresh water stream, and a horse trough. Females attack at night and produce a painful bite. Males exhibit a unique mating behaviour which includes precocious coupling with females before they have fully emerged from their pupal exuviae.

Medical Importance
Opifex fuscus is not a medically or economically important species.

Important References >> 		habitus image Representative species shown here:
Opifex fuscus

Genus-specific Diagnostic Characters, Adult Stage:
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1. Base of subcosta on lower (under) surface of wing with a patch of setae,
2. Erect scales of head absent.

Recommended characters:
3. Prespiracular setae absent,
4. Base of hindcoxa distinctly ventral to base of mesomeron,
5. Lower mesepimeral setae present,
6. Postspiracular setae present.

Genus-specific Diagnostic Characters, Larval Stage >>