Tendrils

GOOD Mosquito?

Legs covered in blue and purple sparkles with a gilded body, much larger than mosquitoes that we usually notice, the Elephant Mosquito, Toxorhynchites rutilus, is one mosquito that we should encourage.

The largest mosquito in North America, from tip to tip (of its legs) this mosquito measures one inch, and the adult female has a wing span of half an inch. That large size, and a proboscis that resembles an elephant’s trunk, gives this mosquito its common name. That proboscis is used for the gathering nectar from flowers.

Here is the REALLY good part (1), the Elephant Mosquito does not hunt humans down to get a blood meal. They won’t bite us as they cruise the gardens looking for sources of nectar. They won’t bite as they roam the neighborhood hunting for plant sap, honeydew, or juices from rotting fruit, which they also eat.

And REALLY good part (2), the larvae of Elephant Mosquitoes eat other mosquito larvae!

Wow! Include this insect on my list of best friends!

Brenda Clements Jones

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8 responses to “GOOD Mosquito?”

  2. Glad to have you back, Clem. Ran into Bill the other day at the library and he filled me in about your website. I very much enjoy your attitude of respect toward the community of beings that surround us. Your pictures are extraordinary.

    Thanks.

    • Thanks bunches Nancy! Good to hear from you. Bill mentioned that he saw you. I’m glad to be back at the blog working away. I’m hoping that this will continue. I *must* be disciplined and focused!

  3. How could I not know about this beauty? Such wonderful photos. How could the elephant mosquito remain under the radar? They should be promoted, advertised! Hopefully this first appearance will be a big hit! I will be very discerning at the lake before I swat a large mosquito!

    • Yes, Kathy, the Elephant Mosquito won’t alight on your arm to bite you, but will be busy in the flowers along with the bees and other pollinators. Look for a critter that looks indeed like a mosquito, but just not the right size and if you look closely, sparkly! Hope you find some. A glimmer of hope!

  4. A mosquito that gives other mosquitos a bad name. That I can live with! Thanks for information and great pics of this interesting critter, Brenda.

    • Diane, I’m a little slow at replying, but I sure appreciate your checking out my post! I was *so* delighted to find out about this beauty! I hope there are other species out there doing similar work!

      Sure was great to see you in Annapolis! What great fun that was!