Ochlertatus (Halaedes) australis (Erichson, 1842)
New Zealand Status: Introduced
Ochlertatus australis probably arrived in New Zealand on early sailing ships from Australia, but it could also be self-introduced (Belkin 1968).
Vector and Disease Information
In eastern Tasmania Ochlertatus australis can be locally abundant and enter buildings to bite (Russell 1993). It is possibly a disease vector of avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) (Holder 1999).
Distribution based on Biogeographic Regions (see map)
Australasian Biogeographic Region
New Zealand
Introduced prior to 1962 (Laird 1995); Westland, Otago, Southland, Stewart Island (Belkin 1968).
Australia
Present, endemic
Along Southeast coast from southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, to southern Western Australia (Belkin 1968). South Pacific - Lord Howe Island (?), and Norfolk Island (Belkin 1968).
Rest of the World
Not present
Taxonomic Position
As well as australis, the subgenus Halaedes of genus Ochlerotatus also contains the species ashworthi and wardangensis, all of which are in the Australasian biogeographic region. A recent suggested change in taxonomy (Reinert & Harbach 2005) has elevated the subgenus Halaedes to generic level, making the new name for this mosquito Halaedes australis.
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 | With neither pale scales or white-scaled bands |
Characteristic Features
A large dark mosquito of predominantly brown appearance, superficially similar to some Culex species. Thorax: scutum with scales all narrow, mainly bronzy with scattered golden and light golden scales. Wing: all dark scaled. (Belkin 1968; Russell 1993).
