Verrallina


Verrallina is a mosquito genus erected by entomologist Frederick [Vincent Theobald] in 1903. It belongs to the family Culicidae, subfamily Culicinae, and tribe Aedini. The genus is notable for its three subgenera—Harbachius, Neomacleaya, and Verrallina—and comprises approximately 94 species.

Distribution and habitat

Verrallina mosquitoes are distributed across the Oriental and Australasian regions. Their range includes:
Their larvae inhabit a diverse array of aquatic environments, including:
Adults are commonly found in jungles, coastal mangroves, and bamboo groves.

Description

Adults

Adult Verrallina mosquitoes exhibit distinct morphological features:
  • Head: Broad decumbent vertex scales
  • Thorax: Presence of dorsocentral setae and sparse to numerous acrostichal setae
  • Wings and legs: Specific scaling patterns unique to the genus

    Biology

Verrallina mosquitoes lay their eggs in temporary water bodies, where larvae subsequently develop. Adults are primarily jungle-dwellers and are known to bite humans in shaded areas during the day. A notable feature of the subgenus Verrallina is the production of gelatinous strings that encase their eggs, protecting them from desiccation.

Medical importance

Certain species within the genus Verrallina are significant as disease vectors. Notable examples include:
These species are known to transmit viruses such as:
Both viruses are associated with epidemic polyarthritis, particularly in Australia, posing a public health concern in affected regions.

Species

The genus Verrallina includes approximately 94 species, organized into three subgenera. A comprehensive species list is not fully documented here but includes:

Verrallina (''Verrallina'') Theobald, 1903