Verrallina butleri

Verrallina butleri is a species of mosquito in the genus Verrallina. It was originally described as Aedes butleri by Frederick Vincent Theobald in 1901 and later transferred to the genus Verrallina.^[1] This species is found in Southeast Asia, notably in Malaysia, and is associated with coastal brackish water and mangrove forest habitats.

Verrallina butleri is distributed across Southeast Asia, with documented presence in Malaysia, particularly in the mangrove forests of Kedah.^[2] Given the broader range of the genus Verrallina, it may also occur in neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, though specific records are limited.

This mosquito species inhabits coastal brackish water pools and swamps, showing a strong preference for mangrove forests.^[3] Its larvae are commonly found in temporary jungle ground waters such as flood pools, puddles, road ruts, and animal hoof prints, as well as natural containers including crab holes and plant axils.

Verrallina butleri is a day-biting mosquito, active primarily during daylight hours.^[4] It is known to feed on humans, especially in shaded jungle environments, and tends to predominate in less disturbed natural settings.

There is no conclusive evidence that Verrallina butleri serves as a vector for specific diseases such as dengue or malaria.^[5][6] However, its human-biting behavior indicates a potential to transmit mosquito-borne pathogens, pending further research to establish any direct links.

Verrallina butleri is infected with Wolbachia, a bacterium known to affect mosquito reproduction.^[7] This infection could play a role in population control strategies or influence its capacity to transmit diseases, though additional studies are needed to explore these implications fully.