A new mosquito species, Culex lactator, has been discovered by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. It has established permanent homes in at least three counties in Florida. Culex lactator is typically found in Central America and northern South America and is part of the Culex group, which includes species that transmit West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses. It is concerning to scientists that new mosquito species, like Culex lactator, are being introduced into Florida, as mosquitoes are capable of spreading illnesses. Moreover, many of Florida’s greatest mosquito-related challenges have been the result of non-native mosquitoes. As not all mosquito species are equally capable of transmitting a particular virus or other pathogen, it remains unclear whether Culex lactator will spread in Florida. Reeves, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of monitoring this new mosquito species, as it is likely to spread to other parts of Florida.
New Mosquito Species Found in Florida Raises Concerns Among Scientists
The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, has discovered a new mosquito species, Culex lactator, which has set up permanent homes in at least three counties in Florida. Although it was first discovered in Miami-Dade County in 2018, populations have also been found in Collier and Lee counties in the southwest of the state. According to Lawrence Reeves, the study’s lead author, there are about 90 mosquito species living in Florida, and that number continues to grow as new mosquito species are introduced from around the world.
Scientists have a problem with new mosquito species introductions because mosquitoes are capable of spreading illnesses. Furthermore, many of Florida’s greatest mosquito-related challenges have been the result of non-native mosquitoes. Reeves explained that the introduction of new mosquito species like Culex lactator is concerning because it is difficult to anticipate what to expect when so little is known about the species. The Culex group, which includes species that transmit West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses, encompasses Culex lactator, which is typically found in Central America and northern South America. It remains unclear whether Culex lactator will spread in Florida, as not all mosquito species are equally capable of transmitting a particular virus or other pathogen.
Reeves stressed the importance of monitoring this new mosquito species, as it is likely to spread to other parts of Florida.
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