First Mosquito (Culicidae) Sighted

Observation by Jimmy Evak:

This might not have to be posted if it is usual but I saw a mosquito today at Kotzebue. I do not know the breeding seasons and when they first appear so I am submitting this as a matter of interest. I did not take a picture.

Comments from LEO Editors:

According to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, there are 35 species of mosquito in Alaska. Most species in Alaska belong to the genus Aedes, however species belonging to the genus Culiseta are the first to emerge in the spring.

Mosquitoes of the Culiseta genus can overwinter as adults, surviving temperatures as low as -25F if they are protected by snowpack - Adults may not survive in years with low snowpack, but their eggs will. Adult mosquitoes of the genus Culiseta become active as snow begins to melt. Mosquito eggs of the genus Aedes remain dormant over winter and hatch when snow melt or precipitation damped the eggs. The larvae grow in available standing water, maturing more quickly in warmer weather. Adults of the Aedes genus do not survive the winter. Source: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Mosquito and Biting Fly Pest Control Manual (See attached documents)

LEO has received three observations of the first mosquitoes found during spring. In 2016, an observer in Palmer reported a first mosquito sighting on March 25th, and an Anchorage observer reported a first hatch on April 12th. In 2018, an observer near Yellowknife reported a first mosquito sighting on May 12th, during a period of cold weather. Erica Lujan