What are Cx. pipiens like?

• A. They are day biters and are vectors of malaria
• B. They are night biters and are WNV, SLE vectors
• C. They feed on fish and do not bite humans
• D. They are diurnal and primarily domestic

Answer: (B)

Cx. pipiens are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular feeders in urban and peri-urban areas, and they are known vectors for West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis. They feed on birds and can bite humans, helping move virus from birds to people in many regions. They do not bite during the day, do not feed on fish, and malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, not Culex. So, the description of night biters that transmit West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis best fits Cx. pipiens.