MOSQUITOES OF THE MID-ATLANTIC
REGION: AN IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
Bruce A. Harrison
Brian D. Byrd
Charlie B. Sither
Parker B. Whitt
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
KEN MANUEL
TOMMY BOWEN
MOSQUITO AND VBID FACILITY
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SCIENCES
Specimens Provided/Unpublished Observations:
Michael Hutchinson (PA)
Roxanne Connelly (FL)
Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit at the Smithsonian Institution
Numerous people that contributed observations and specimens to
the PHPM collection, which now belongs to Western Carolina Univ.
PURPOSE: WHY A REGIONAL KEY?
No previous keys strictly for the MAMCA Region
Darsie and Ward (2005)
-(174 species) for U.S., versus 89 named or
provisional species, subspecies, and 1 hybrid in the
MAMCA Region
- 174 species is a steep learning curve for beginners
-Many one character couplets
-Outdated, now 182 species recognized in continental U.S.
Slaff and Apperson (1989)
-Many one character couplets
-Outdated, need to add recent introductions and newly
recognized species
-1989: 57 species in NC
-2015: 66 species-level taxa now recognized in NC
MID-ATLANTIC (MAMCA)
REGION
Boreal Zone Species
(n= 17)
PA
MD
DE
WV
VA
Temperate Zone Species
(n= 65)
NC
SC
GA
Subtropical Species
(n= 7)
TAXONOMIC AND OTHER
CONSIDERATIONS
 We are returning to Aedes, because it is
taxonomically correct and Ochlerotatus is once
again a subgenus of Aedes.
 Book includes 8 MAMCA states, but not
Tennessee.
 Keys with illustrations between the couplets.
 Most couplets have 2-4 characters.
 Simplified illustrations with arrows pointing to
characters.
WHAT THE NEW BOOK OFFERS
 Recognizes 89 species-level taxa in MAMCA (DE, GA,
MD, NC, PA, SC, VA, WV).
 Initial pages = 5
 Introduction = 7 pp.
 Interpretations/sources for certain species = 11 pp.
 List of MAMCA species = 4 pp.
 Morphology Section + 14 figures = 9 pp.
 585 illustrations in keys
 Keys to females = 50 pp.
 Identifying larval instars & illustrations = 5 pp.
 Keys to fourth instar larvae = 55 pp.
BOOK OFFERS (CONT.)








Notes for decision making in keys = 8 pp.
Taxonomic Glossary = 17 pp.
Lists for species in 8 MAMCA states = 18 pp.
Species couplet sequences = 3 pp.
Index for adult and larval images = 3 pp.
Vector graphics and illustration sources = 1 p.
References Cited (138) = 10 pp.
Author’s biographical sketches = 2 pp.
DISTRIBUTION
Printed Distribution
– Hard copies will be available based on interest.
– Approximately 206 pages
– Wiro-bound and water resistant
– Expected cost to print ($12.00)
per copy
Electronic Distribution
– PDF of the keys will be made available through
NCMVCA/WCU in 1-2 years.
– Adobe Illustrator electronic (*.ai) files will be
available through a searchable database.
WHY ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION?
• PDFs (Portable Document Files) are user friendly
• Many people use laptops/Ipads to review
literature
• No printing overhead
• Updates/edits can be made continuously
• Species distributions are dynamic
• Every image (599) has a unique “*.ai” file
• Those “*.ai” files will be shared via the web
• With permission the files may be used by others
for preparing :(A) regional/local keys and (B)
handouts used in training classes
WHAT’S LEFT TO DO?
-Printer requires clean ready-to-publish pdf for
publication.
-Authors now undergoing one last review of
entire manuscript with corrections and
changes
-After the reviews/corrections we must submit
clean pdf copy to printer for price per copy
estimate to determine how many copies
to print and how much to charge per copy.