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Two New Species of Mosquito Found in Collier County

Mosquitoes feeding on a snake.
Courtesy WikiCommons
Mosquitoes feeding on a snake.

The invasive Aedes scapularis and Aedes tortilis mosquitos brings the total number of known mosquito species in Collier to 48.

The mosquitoes are native to South America and the Caribbean, and were found just last year in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. The Aedes scapularis is capable of transmitting yellow fever and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.

A news release from the Collier Mosquito Control District said the two species were recently found in traps maintained by district staff. The Aedes scapularis was found in a trap in the South Bayshore area.

Mosquitoes are a common pest in Southwest Florida. The Florida Department of Health has information on their website with tips for reducing their impact on your life.