Gallinipper
Psorophora ciliata
The aquatic larvae of this species are voracious predators that actively hunt, capture, and consume the larvae of other mosquito species.
- Scientific name
- Psorophora ciliata
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Diptera › Culicidae › Psorophora
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Temporary floodwater pools, flooded pastures, roadside ditches, and damp grassy marshes.
- Diet
- Larvae prey upon other aquatic invertebrates and mosquito larvae; adult females feed on mammal blood, while adults of both sexes consume plant nectar.
- Range
- North America, Central America, South America
- Size
- 7–9 mm long with a 6–10 mm wingspan
- Lifespan
- 1–2 months
- Active
- crepuscular
- Threats
- Wetland drainage, drought, and broad-spectrum aerial pesticide applications.
- Safe to approach?
- Gallinippers are defensive biters that aggressively pursue mammalian blood. Their bites are unusually painful compared to those of typical mosquitoes, though they are not major vectors of human disease. Wear protective clothing or apply DEET-based repellents when near floodwater areas. If bitten, wash the puncture site with soap and water and apply a cold compress or anti-itch ointment to reduce swelling.
Psorophora ciliata is a species of large mosquito indigenous to the United States east of the continental divide. It is one of thirteen species of the genus that reside in the continental United States. The mosquito has been referred to as the “gallinipper” or “shaggy-legged gallinipper” due to its tendency for aggressive behavior.
Photo: Sam Kieschnick, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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