culex

American  

[kyoo-leks] / ˈkju lɛks /

noun

culices plural

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

Derived Forms

• culicine
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• culices
  plural

Etymology

Origin of culex

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

culex culices

The southern house mosquito, known as culex quinquefasciatus, is the region’s most common vector of West Nile virus, according to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

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

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)

The culices of South America have generally the wings, corslet, and legs of an azure colour, ringed and variegated with a mixture of spots of metallic lustre.

From Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 2 by Humboldt, Alexander von