Which statement best describes Cx. stigmatosoma's biting pattern and disease-vector status?

Which statement best describes Cx. stigmatosoma's biting pattern and disease-vector status?

• A. They are day biters and do not transmit disease
• B. They are night biters and are vectors for WNV and SLE in birds
• C. They bite only animals other than humans
• D. They are diurnal and vector for malaria

Answer: (B)

Cx. stigmatosoma typically bites at night, which is common for many Culex species. They can act as vectors for West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis in birds, meaning they help maintain and spread these viruses within avian populations (humans can be incidental hosts). Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, not Culex, so the option claiming malaria transmission isn’t correct. The idea that they only bite animals or that they are day biters doesn’t fit the known behavior and vector role of this species.

Cx. stigmatosoma typically bites at night, which is common for many Culex species. They can act as vectors for West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis in birds, meaning they help maintain and spread these viruses within avian populations (humans can be incidental hosts). Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, not Culex, so the option claiming malaria transmission isn’t correct. The idea that they only bite animals or that they are day biters doesn’t fit the known behavior and vector role of this species.