Story: Insects – overview

Vigilant mosquito

Vigilant mosquito

The vigilant mosquito (Culex pervigilans) is widely distributed throughout New Zealand and its subantarctic islands. The adult is nocturnal and breeds in stagnant water, including the water lying in discarded bottles or tyres. A known carrier of Whataroa virus, this mosquito has passed it on to native birds in Westland, but with no ill effects for the birds.

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How to cite this page:

George Gibbs, 'Insects – overview - Insects in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/10041/vigilant-mosquito (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by George Gibbs, published 24 Sep 2007