Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Elephant mosquito

Elephant mosquito

Toxorhynchites rutilus

A species of Elephant mosquitoes

Toxorhynchites rutilus is a species of mosquito from the family of the mosquitoes (Culicidae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1896 by Coquillett.

General Info About Elephant mosquito
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Elephant mosquito
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
tree hole; pitcher plant; pool; man-made container; bromeliad
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, plant juices
Larva Food Source
Mosquito larvae, aquatic insect larvae, small aquatic organisms, other mosquito species' larvae, water mites
Biting/stinging
The Elephant mosquito may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Elephant mosquito feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Elephant mosquito typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Elephant mosquito
It is not common, but widely distributed throughout the southeastern USA.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Elephant mosquito
1.8 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Elephant mosquito Larvae
Fish, dragonflies, aquatic insects, tadpoles
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Elephant mosquito
Birds, bats, spiders, insectivorous insects, frogs
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Elephant mosquito
Unlike its bloodsucking relatives, juvenile elephant mosquito feed on other mosquito larvae, acting as natural pest control.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Elephant mosquito
Tips for Finding Elephant mosquito
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Elephant mosquito
Freshwater Habitats, Tropical Rainforests, Rotting and Decaying Matter
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Elephant mosquito Through Different Life Stages
To find elephant mosquito during its larval stage, search for clean, standing water in tree holes, rock pools, and artificial containers. The aquatic environments are crucial for larval development. For the pupal stage, which also occurs in water, similar locations that support the larvae can be sought. Due to their non-feeding nature during this stage, the presence of organic matter is less important. Adult elephant mosquito are often encountered in shaded, vegetated areas where they rest and hunt for prey, such as in dense forests or jungles.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Elephant mosquito
The best time to find adult elephant mosquito is during the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. For larvae, they can be sought after throughout the day.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Elephant mosquito
Adult elephant mosquito are more likely to be encountered on warm, sunny days with little to no wind. For larvae, they can be found in standing water regardless of weather, although extreme temperatures may cause them to seek deeper water or shade.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Elephant mosquito at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of elephant mosquito are laid on the water’s surface in places like ponds or artificial containers. Look for them in clusters or as single eggs in protected areas with standing water.
Larva Larval elephant mosquito are aquatic and found in standing water, often in natural or man-made containers that hold water. Search for them by examining water in buckets, birdbaths, and other stagnant water bodies with a flashlight or dipper.
Pupal Pupal elephant mosquito float near the water's surface in the same habitats as larvae. Spotting them can be done by looking for small, comma-shaped objects in standing water during calmer parts of the day.
Adult Adult elephant mosquito can be found resting in vegetation near water sources or other moist areas. Observe for them on the undersides of leaves or flying close to the ground. Sweeping a net through vegetation may also aid in capturing them.
Are Elephant mosquito harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

Usually, the elephant mosquito won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

Rectangle

Are Elephant mosquito harmful to humans?

Routine reaction. The bitten skin is red swelling and itching. This symptom may automatically disappear within a few hours or days depending on the mosquito species and the victim's body type. It is advised to apply antiphlogistic and antipruritic products such as peppermint cream.
Serious allergic reaction. Mosquito bites are very unlikely to cause large areas of swelling, soreness, redness, low fever, urticaria, and Lymphadenopathy. These serious reactions are prone to occur in children and people with immune system diseases.
Secondary injury. Scratching the bite may cause wound infection.
Image
Some mosquitoes can spread disease and parasites.
In general, common mosquitoes do not cause much harm through bites. They only cause skin scratch and rash. However, a few species of mosquitoes are vectors for many serious diseases.
They transmit viruses from one host to the next through bloodsucking. A variety of arbovirus diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and malaria can spread rapidly in this way.
Additionally, their impact is huge. Every year about 700 million people are infected with mosquito bites, and about 700,000 of them will die as a result. So rated by the Mosquito Control Association, the mosquito is one of the most dangerous insects in the world.
Image
Neither every type of mosquitoes nor vector mosquitoes can definitely transmit the virus. Only certain types of mosquitoes that already have a specific type of viruses in the body can transmit the virus.
If the virus is ingested by non-vector mosquitoes, it will be destroyed by the digestive system and become too inactivated to spread.
Only when female vector mosquitoes suck the blood of an already infected person, the pathogen can enter the mosquitoes and multiply inside them. Then the viruses can be spread to the next susceptible host through the mosquitoes.
Female mosquitoes can also pass viruses to their offspring. After the offspring are mature, they can spread directly in the unaffected host
Image
Rectangle

What is the most effective prevention against Elephant mosquito?

Avoid periods when mosquitoes are active. Dusk to dawn is the most active period for mosquitoes. Outdoor activities should be avoided or reduced at this time. If it is necessary to be outdoors, please do protection works.
Choice of clothes for going out
  • Light-colored clothing
  • Long sleeves and trousers
  • Thick socks or fully covered shoes
  • Hats (with gauze) that protect ears and neck
Image
Use insect repellent. Insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil (vegetable compounds) can temporarily repel mosquitoes. Among them, DEET has the longest-lasting effect.
  • Please read the instructions carefully and follow them strictly.
  • Keep away from food when using the product.
  • Avoid being mistakenly consumed by your baby.
  • Avoid mixing mosquito repellent products with other chemical products to prevent unnecessary chemical reactions occurring.
  • After using the same mosquito repellent spray for 1-2 months continuously, please switch to other brands of it for better effects.
Image
Other considerations
Repair broken windows and doors in houses and camping tents.
Use mosquito nets in strollers and cribs.
If necessary, you can consider installing a physical mosquito repellent lamp in the courtyard. It is beautiful and efficient but with certain risks. Families with young children need to pay special attention to the installation location.
Bring pets to the veterinary clinic for regular physical examinations to detect the presence of cardiac filariasis.
Image
Rectangle

How to get rid of Elephant mosquito?

Reduce mosquitoes in your home
  • Eliminate the stagnant water that mosquitoes need to reproduce. Do not place used tires, bowls, cups, and other items in the yard that may store water.
  • If there are empty flower pots, please place them in a place where water will not accumulate or invert them.
  • If there is no special need, drain the pool in the courtyard.
  • If you need to keep water in the pool, you can feed the ornamental fish which can eat a lot of mosquito larvae and increase appreciation.
  • Drain roofs and courtyards frequently.
  • Empty the pool at least once a week, as often as possible.
  • The hydroponic plants in your home should be changed in time.
Image
Homemade simple traps
Wine bottle trap. Place the unfinished beer or empty bottle filled with sugar water in a cool corner. It will attract mosquitoes and stick to drowning.
Basin detergent trap. At night, put a water basin in front of the window and mix it well with detergent. The next morning, there will be dead mosquitoes in the water basin. If you stick to this method for some time, the number of mosquitoes in your home will decrease.
Image
Taking anti-allergic drugs. If you have ever had serious adverse reactions to mosquito bites, when you know that you may go to an environment filled with mosquitoes and inevitably get bitten, please consider taking anti-allergic drugs in advance under the guidance of a doctor. Also, do Good physical anti-mosquito preparation.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience fever, headache, body pain and infection after bitten by mosquitoes.
Image
Pet cats and dogs should be treated with medicine under the guidance of a professional veterinarian. In the following at least one month, animals must be restricted from intense exercise to avoid excitement. The reason is that after the drug kills the adult worms, it may block some of the pulmonary blood vessels. Therefore intense exercise will cause breathing difficulties for pets. After 6 months of treatment, please reexamine to check if the worms have been completely removed.
Image
Tips and tricks
Eat more garlic. If you can accept and eat garlic, not only that it is good for your health, but also the smell of garlic can keep the mosquitoes away from you.
Use garlic juice. The garlic can be mashed, and the juice can be applied to doors and windows to repel mosquitoes.
Use orange lights. Replace the white light with an orange light in your house. You can also wrap the bulb with orange cellophane or silk cloth to drive away mosquitoes.
Image
Increase intake of vitamin B family. More intake of foods rich in vitamin B family can reduce the attraction of mosquitoes.
Fumigation indoor. Don't discard the orange peel after eating. Dry and light the peel for fumigation, it can get rid of insects and odor. This works the same as wormwood as well.
Grow special plants. Mosquitoes stay away from plants such as mint, lavender, onion, tomato, lemongrass, geranium, tuberose, garlic. It is advised to plant these items around the house.
Image
Beneficial Effects of Elephant mosquito
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Diets
Mosquito Larvae
In the larval stage, elephant mosquito preys on mosquito larvae. Feeding primarily to sustain itself, elephant mosquito seeks out these aquatic pests in their breeding grounds, such as stagnant water bodies. An interesting facet is that adult elephant mosquito does not feed on blood like many of its relatives, showcasing a distinctive foraging behavior among its kind.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Elephant mosquito
Woodland malaria mosquito
Woodland malaria mosquito

The woodland malaria mosquito (Anopheles punctipennis) is identified with a unique wing pattern when compared to other mosquitos. Otherwise, they are known to live inside of abandoned buildings or tree stumps during the winter period, which is why they enjoy woodlands. As stated by the name, it is also a vector for malaria, which is concerning given females enjoy blood meals.

Read More
Arrow
North american malaria mosquito
North american malaria mosquito

Anopheles (/əˈnɒfɪliːz/) is a genus of mosquito first described and named by J. W. Meigen in 1818. About 460 species are recognised; while over 100 can transmit human malaria, only 30–40 commonly transmit parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which cause malaria in humans in endemic areas. Anopheles gambiae is one of the best known, because of its predominant role in the transmission of the most dangerous malaria parasite species (to humans) – Plasmodium falciparum. The name comes from the Ancient Greek word ἀνωφελής anōphelḗs 'useless', derived from ἀν- an-, 'not', 'un-' and ὄφελος óphelos 'profit'. Mosquitoes in other genera (Aedes, Culex, Culiseta, Haemagogus, and Ochlerotatus) can also serve as vectors of disease agents, but not human malaria.

Read More
Arrow
Anopheles franciscanus
Anopheles franciscanus

Anopheles franciscanus is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae.

Read More
Arrow
Cold weather mosquito
Cold weather mosquito

Culiseta incidens, the cool weather mosquito, is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae.

Read More
Arrow
Culiseta particeps
Culiseta particeps

Read More
Arrow
Orthopodomyia signifera
Orthopodomyia signifera

Orthopodomyia signifera is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae.

Read More
Arrow
Southern House Mosquito
Southern House Mosquito

The southern House Mosquito is the common pest of the tropical and subtropical world and has spread worldwide from old sailing ships. This nuisance biter makes a meal out of all types of birds and mammals (humans included) and is the main spreader of the disabling disease lymphatic filariasis. The southern House Mosquito has caused massive losses in terms of health and economic damage because of its disease-ridden bites.

Read More
Arrow
Erratic Mosquito
Erratic Mosquito

Culex erraticus is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow