Mosquitoes are from the order of flies, Diptera, and within this they are the family Culicidae. There are over 3,400 different species worldwide, and in New Zealand, we have 13 endemic species and four introduced species. Opifex fuscus, known commonly as the saltpool mosquito or by its Māori name naeroa, is an endemic mosquito that is widespread along the coast of New Zealand.
Mosquitoes are a vector (carrier) for malaria and other diseases. They lay their eggs on the water surface, which then hatch into motile larvae that feed on aquatic algae and organic material.
Participate in the New Zealand Mosquito Census and help scientists at Te Papa learn more about the various mosquitos in Aotearoa.
Saltpool mosquitos image sourced from iNaturalistNZ, © Lek Khauv, CC BY-NC 4.0
