Aedes excrucians
Aedes excrucians is a species of mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes. This species is closely related to other snowpool mosquitoes such as Aedes communis and Aedes stimulans.
Distribution
Aedes excrucians is widely distributed across northern North America, including the northern United States, Canada, and Alaska. Its range extends southward to northern New Jersey on the east coast and southern Oregon in the west, with isolated populations in higher elevations as far south as northern New Mexico. It is also present in Europe and Northern Asia, excluding China.This species is commonly found in forested areas, particularly in moderately deep snowpools lined with heavy leaf litter. These pools form during early spring from melting snow. The larvae are typically present in early spring, with development occurring primarily in April. The species follows a univoltine life cycle, meaning it produces a single generation per year. Eggs are laid around drying snowpools and enter diapause until the following spring. This species often shares habitats with other mosquitoes such as Aedes communis, Aedes stimulans, and Aedes grossbecki. In mixed habitats, it is typically at least two instars behind Aedes communis in larval development.