Mosquito Identification
Knowledge and Experience
Our qualified team consists of highly trained Mosquito Identification Technicians familiar with all known mosquito species in Canada, including newly introduced species. Our senior staff have been involved with mosquito surveillance for West Nile virus since the virus first appeared in Canada in 2001.
Dr. Hunter and Brock University student, Aynsley Thielman, have recently published A Pictorial Key to the Adult Mosquitoes of Canada which includes newly introduced species to Canada.
Dr. Hunter and Brock University student, Aynsley Thielman, have recently published A Pictorial Key to the Adult Mosquitoes of Canada which includes newly introduced species to Canada.
Accuracy
We ensure quality control by using molecular diagnostic/barcoding techniques to verify species identifications. The protocols for Barcoding are found in: Cywinska, A., F.F. Hunter and P.D.N. Hebert. 2007. Identifying Canadian mosquito species through DNA barcodes. Medical and Veterinary Entomology (Oxford) 20: 413-424.
The experience of our technicians ensures that mosquitoes are identified within two business days of receipt of traps.
The experience of our technicians ensures that mosquitoes are identified within two business days of receipt of traps.
Commitment
To ensure long-term identification capabilities, we maintain a curated reference collection of identified larval and adult mosquitoes. These can be accessed by academic institutions throughout the world for research purposes. In addition, we routinely submit voucher specimens to the Canadian National Insect Collection in Ottawa.
