Mosquitoes play an important role within the state of North Dakota. Mosquitoes can transmit numerous pathogens and viruses to humans, wildlife, and livestock. It is important to recognize that not all mosquito species can transmit all parasites or viruses. In addition, mosquitoes are integral to food webs that support amphibian, fish, and avian populations.
One of the best methods of disease prevention is education which includes, at the foundational level, knowing which mosquito species are found in an ecosystem (and across the state). Not only is it important to know what species are present, but also when each species is out during the summer and how many mosquitoes are present. An example of when/and to what extent mosquito numbers play a role is evident when investigating the cases of West Nile virus across our state…typically late July-September when Culex tarsalis populations are at their highest.
Our goal is to recognize mosquito populations across the state of North Dakota by collecting, identifying, and monitoring population trends of mosquitoes throughout the summer months. In addition, mosquitoes that are engorged (contain blood), can be used to identify what the different mosquito species tend to feed upon (host preference). As data is collected, the project will also analyze how weather and climate data can influence mosquito populations.
This site will provide information from this project to the public and to other fellow mosquito enthusiasts who may be interested in what mosquitoes are doing in the highly under-researched state of North Dakota. Support for this project comes from ND INBRE. Students and faculty present information collected from this project at the annual ND INBRE conference, regional conferences, national meetings, and at other professional organizations such as the Entomological Society of America conferences.
Common Name - Slender-necked Click Beetle
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Elateridae
Oestodes tenuicollis, commonly known as the slender-necked click beetle, is a member of the Elateridae family. While specific studies on this species in North Dakota are scarce, its presence has been recorded in various parts of the northern United States, suggesting it is likely found in suitable habitats across the state.
In North Dakota, O. tenuicollis is most likely to inhabit grasslands, forest edges, and areas with loose, moist soil—environments that support the larval development of click beetles. These beetles are typically nocturnal and are attracted to lights at night, which makes them more noticeable during summer months.
The larvae, often referred to as wireworms, are known to live in the soil and feed on decaying plant matter, roots, and sometimes seeds. This feeding behavior can occasionally impact agricultural crops, although O. tenuicollis is not considered a major pest species. Adults are less frequently observed feeding but may visit flowers such as Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy), which are common in North Dakota’s prairie and roadside habitats.
Breeding occurs during the warmer months, typically late spring through summer. Females lay eggs in the soil, where larvae hatch and begin their development. The larval stage can last several months to years, depending on environmental conditions.
Overall, Oestodes tenuicollis plays a minor but ecologically relevant role in North Dakota’s insect biodiversity, contributing to soil health and serving as prey for birds and small mammals.
This project utilizes a few different mosquito collection methods including the following trap types that are typically associated with mosquito research.
