Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) camptorhynchus (Thomson, 1869)

Common name: Southern salt marsh mosquito

New Zealand Status: Introduced and being eradicated

The presence of camptorhynchus in New Zealand was discovered in 1998 after Napier residents complained of vicious biting by a mosquito. An intensive eradication programme began in January 1999 (Eberhart-Phillips 1999) and continued using BTI and later S-methoprene (Cook et al. 2002). Infestations discovered since this time are probably established populations not previously detected (Cook et al. 2002).

Vector and Disease Information

Ochlerotatus camptorhynchus is said to be a vector of Murray Valley encephalitis, Barmah forest disease and Ross River virus. Though it has not brought any of these diseases to NZ, Ross River virus has been isolated from this species in temperate Victoria and Tasmania. The presence of this mosquito in New Zealand therefore increases the risk of an outbreak of Ross River virus here (Cook et al. 2002). Disease from Ross River virus infection ranges from mild flu-like symptoms to debilitating joint pains (Eberhart-Phillips 1999).

Distribution based on Biogeographic Regions (see map)

Australasian Biogeographic Region

New Zealand

Present, introduced

Ochlerotatus camptorhynchus became established just north of Napier in December 1998.

New Zealand population discovery timeline (Gilbert 2002; New Zealand Ministry of Health Media Release.)

December 1998 July 2000 October 2000 October 2000 February 2001 April 2001 March 2002 May 2004
Hawke's Bay Gisborne Hawke's Bay Hawke's Bay Northland Northland Northland Marlborough
Napier Wherowhero Lagoon near Muriwai and Sponge Bay, Gisborne Maungawhio Lagoon, Mahia Porangahau Kaipara and Whangaparaoa Mangawhai Whitford Wairau estuary
Eradicated Eradicated Eradicated     Eradicated Eradicated  

Australia

Present, endemic

Australia - New South Wales (Lee et al. 1984), South Australia (Lee et al. 1984), Tasmania (Dobrotworsky 1966), Victoria (Lee et al. 1984), Western Australia (Lindsay et al. 1995).

Rest of the World

Not present

Taxonomic Position

Ochlerotatus camptorhynchus is placed in Section camptorhynchus of subgenus Ochlerotatus, which also includes nivalis.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is the minimum set of characters and states that will separate this taxon from all others in this set of taxa.

Diagnostic characters State
Postspiracular setae Present
Pale scales of proboscis Widespread or in a patch, not forming a band
Pale scales on the wings Absent, wings completely dark scales
Tarsi of hind legs Distinct white-scaled bands on at least some segments

Characteristic Features   

A darkish mosquito with banded legs. Head: proboscis dark and mottled with pale scales. Legs: hind legs with pale basal bands. Abdomen: tergites with pale basal bands of scales, often of greater width medially (Russell 1993).