Florida, known for its sunny beaches, warm weather, and vibrant nightlife, is also a hotbed for mosquitoes, with around 90 species already buzzing around the state. However, there is a new invasive species, Culex lactator, that has scientists worried.

This mosquito species, normally found in Central America and northern South America, was first detected in Florida in 2018 and has since established "thriving populations" in at least three counties, including Miami-Dade, Axios reports. The potential threat posed by this mosquito species is not yet known, but it is crucial to track its spread and understand its impact on human health.

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Mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting a range of diseases including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more.

According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, Culex lactator is part of the "small and poorly studied" subgenus Phenacomyia.

Lawrence Reeves, the lead researcher on the study, said in a statement that "introductions of new mosquito species like this are concerning because many of our greatest mosquito-related challenges are the result of nonnative mosquitoes."

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The transmission of mosquito-borne diseases occurs when an infected mosquito bites a human or animal host and transfers the disease-causing pathogen.

While other Culex mosquitoes can spread diseases like West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis, the potential for Culex lactator to transmit pathogens is unknown, and we have no clear idea of what animals it is feeding on.

"Essentially, we know nothing about Culex lactator's ability to transmit pathogens. We don't have a clear idea of what animals it is feeding from. We know that three female mosquitoes were found to have had blood meals and those were from birds. We're not ready to say it's a specialist of birds yet, though," Reeves told TCPalm.

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Mosquito-borne diseases are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, where the climate is suitable for mosquito breeding.

The lack of knowledge about Culex lactator's ability to transmit diseases is a cause for concern. Reeves warns that the mosquito will likely expand its range across South Florida and move north up both coasts, increasing the risk of disease transmission. At least 17 mosquito species found in Florida are invasive, and as the climate changes, the number is growing, USA TODAY reports. With the increasing number of invasive species, scientists are struggling to anticipate the threats they may pose to human health.

One factor that makes the situation even more worrying is the impact of other invasive species on disease transmission dynamics. Burmese pythons, for example, have wiped out vast numbers of small animals in the Everglades, leaving behind only rats, which can carry serious diseases. This has increased the amount of contact between the vectors (mosquitoes) and the disease reservoirs (rats), potentially increasing the risk of disease transmission to humans. These dynamics can change in surprising and unexpected ways, making it challenging to predict what we should anticipate from the spread of Culex lactator.

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Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water, including puddles, ponds, lakes, and even in small amounts of water that collect in plant pots or old tires.

Florida's warm and humid climate provides a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, Urbanex reports, making it challenging to control their populations. The state has invested millions of dollars in mosquito control, but the number of invasive species continues to grow. The introduction of new species like Culex lactator further complicates the task of controlling mosquito populations and mitigating the potential risks they pose to public health.

Apart from the direct threat to human health, mosquitoes are also responsible for economic losses and disruption of daily life in affected areas, Pfizer reports. For example, tourism in Florida may be impacted if the threat of mosquito-borne diseases increases, as tourists may avoid areas where there is a high risk of contracting diseases like West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

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Mosquitoes are attracted to humans and animals by their body heat, odor, and carbon dioxide emissions.

Prevention and control measures are critical to reducing the risks posed by Culex lactator and other invasive mosquito species. These measures include:

• reducing mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating standing water
• using insect repellents
• wearing protective clothing
• and installing screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes

Mosquito control agencies must also use a combination of methods, including larviciding, adulticiding, and source reduction to control mosquito populations.

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Mosquitoes have a lifespan of approximately two weeks, during which time they can transmit disease to multiple hosts.

The invasive Culex lactator mosquito is a concerning threat to the people and wildlife of Florida, and potentially to the rest of the United States. As a poorly studied species, there are many unknowns regarding its ability to transmit diseases and the animals it feeds on. Its establishment in multiple counties in South Florida and its predicted expansion up both coasts make it crucial to track its spread and learn more about its behavior.

As the climate changes and the number of invasive mosquito species in Florida continues to grow, it is more important than ever to take action to prevent their spread and mitigate the risks they pose. This includes controlling their breeding sites, using effective mosquito repellents, and supporting research efforts to better understand these mosquitoes and the diseases they can transmit. Through proactive measures and continued vigilance, we can work to protect the health and well-being of Florida's communities and ecosystems.

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