Female: A mid-sized mosquito of mottled brownish appearance; proboscis mottled but mostly pale on basal three-quarters and predominantly dark apically; scutum with narrow golden scales but with paler scaled lines medially, broader stripes laterally and patches towards the rear; wings mottled with broad dark and pale scales on all veins; hind legs with femur mostly pale scaled on basal half but otherwise dark scaled with mottling and patches of pale scales, tibia likewise, tarsi all with basal pale bands and tarsus 1 with medial pale band as well; abdominal tergites mostly dark scaled with some mottling and pale lateral patches, sternites mostly pale scaled. (Click here for a large photograph of the adult). (Click here for a large photograph of the adult).

Similar Species

Adult female may be confused with Ae. alternans (large species with long palps, pale scaling on femur and tibia as bands), and other species with similar broad scales on wings e.g. Ae. kochi (distinct pale band on proboscis, wing not mottled but with pale scales in distinct patches), Ae. theobaldi (proboscis dark above but pale below, tergal bands), Ae. flavifrons (dark blotch on wing membrane, no medial pale band on first tarsus).

Geographic Distribution

NSW (widespread, coastal and inland), Vic (Murray valley), (also Qld, NT, WA); typically associated with localities near vegetated permanent water bodies but generally not abundant in southeastern Australia.

Habits & Habitats

Adults appear to be active only during the summer and autumn months; they can disperse a few kilometres from habitats and readily attack humans and other animals including birds, biting mostly at night but also during the day in/near shelter.

Vector & Pest Status

Although the species can be a major nuisance pest in parts of northern Australia, it rarely poses any concern as a pest in the southeast; Ross River (RR) virus has been isolated from these collected in the Murray valley and laboratory studies indicate that it is likely a competent vector for RR and possibly Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin viruses, but there is no real evidence incriminating it as a field vector of major concern for southeastern Australia (outside Australia it is a vector of human filariasis).

modified from: Russell, R.C. (1996). A colour photo atlas of mosquitoes of
Southeastern Australia. Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital.

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