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).
