Observations of the developmental stages of Coquillettidia perturbans (Diptera: Culicidae) with special reference to the pupal trumpets.

Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker) is a North American mosquito species of medical and veterinary importance that has been implicated as a vector of eastern equine encephalitis virus. Larval and pupal C. perturbans possess highly specialized respiratory appendages that enable them to respire from air vesicles in the hollow roots and shoots of emergent aquatic vegetation, which means that the larval and pupal stages have remained largely understudied. Field-collected C. perturbans larvae, pupae, and adults were studied under laboratory conditions in an attempt to establish a laboratory colony. Blood-fed adults successfully laid egg rafts in containers provisioned with water hyacinth plants (Pontederia crassipes). Larvae and pupae were maintained on hydroponically grown wheat seedlings (Triticum sp.). Images and descriptions of egg rafts, larvae, and pupae are provided with special reference to hatch success, larval instar traits and pupal trumpet morphology.