Morphological variation in invasive mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae from an urban site in Auckland, New Zealand

Larvae of the invasive mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say are morphologically similar to those of the native Culex pervigilans Bergroth, yet distinguishing these species can be hampered by morphological variations in Cx. quinquefasciatus. We present detail about the extent of these variations in an urban population of Cx. quinquefasciatus in Auckland. To aid in identification of this exotic species, we provide images of key diagnostic characters and some observed exceptions to these. Details regarding variation in diagnostic characters for 90% of larvae, although these characters were not always visible. Other characters were less reliable, for instance, the expected position of seta 1a-S in relation to the pecten teeth was observed in Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. pervigilans is recommended, ideally with associated molecular characterisation.