culex

American  

[kyoo-leks] / ˈkyu lɛks /

noun

plural

culices

1. any of numerous mosquitoes constituting the widespread genus Culex, distinguished by the habit in the adult of holding the body parallel to the feeding or resting surface, as the common house mosquito, C. pipiens.

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culex British  

/ ˈkjuːlɛks /

noun

1. any mosquito of the genus Culex, such as C. pipiens, the common mosquito

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Other Word Forms

• culicine adjective

Etymology

Origin of culex

< New Latin (Linnaeus); Latin: gnat, midge

Example Sentences

Los Angeles County is home to several types of mosquitoes, including multiple kinds of culex mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus, usually in the summer months.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

The main spreader of the West Nile virus in California is the culex mosquito, which becomes infected with the virus by feeding on the blood of infected birds.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2024

West Nile virus is endemic in the United States and outbreaks are triggered by several factors, including the concentrations of culex mosquitoes, humans who are not immune, and birds who are not immune.

From New York Times • Aug. 31, 2017

One variety of mosquito in South Dakota, culex tarsalis, is such an effective carrier of West Nile that this area is now the worldwide capital of the disease, Kightlinger said.

From Washington Times • Apr. 10, 2016

As will be noticed in the drawing, the culex carries his body parallel to the wall with his hind legs crossed over his back.

From Rural Hygiene by Ogden, Henry N. (Henry Neely)