The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

33 species of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) have been recorded in the British Isles, five are either rare or doubtfully native as they have not been recorded for many years. The aquatic breeding sites adopted by British mosquitoes vary considerably. The requirement of mosquito larvae and pupae to breathe air, limit them to relatively still, sheltered and shallow waters. Some species develop in permanent waterbodies such as ditches and ponds, while others occupy temporary freshwater pools in woodlands and flooded meadows or saline pools in saltmarshes. A few species are "dendrolimnic", occupying the water that collects in tree-holes, while others are found in great numbers in containers such as rainwater butts in urban areas. One British mosquito selects underground water that collects in flooded basements, the foundations of dwellings, drains and underground railway tunnels. Mosquitoes adapt to their many habitats and aquatic sites by developing differing survival strategies, particularly in coping with periods out of water and surviving over winter, and their preference for haematophagy and their role as disease vectors, makes this family of Diptera a fascinating group to study.

Following Keith Snow�s work in running the British mosquito recording scheme, Jolyon Medlock in collaboration with Moray Anderson will now be taking on this role and have been working with the Biological Records Centre to make all current and historical data available through the NBN Gateway.

Many of our endemic species are heavily under recorded, and the potential exists for new species to be added to the list. We therefore welcome all records of Culicidae, or indeed samples for identification.

Organiser: Jolyon Medlock