Pronunciation: [kjˈʊlɛks] (IPA) 
The word "culex" is often misspelled as "culeks". The correct pronunciation is "kuhl-eks" and the phonetic transcription is /ˈkjuːlɛks/. It refers to a genus of mosquito that is known to transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and encephalitis. The word is derived from the Latin word "culex" which means midge or gnat. Proper spelling is important in scientific and medical texts to ensure effective communication and accuracy in research.
Culex is a noun that refers to a genus of mosquito belonging to the family Culicidae, commonly known as common mosquitoes. This genus includes various species of mosquitoes that are found worldwide. Culex mosquitoes are small insects with slender bodies, long legs, and two wings. They are known for their ability to transmit diseases, particularly the West Nile virus and encephalitis.
Culex mosquitoes are easily distinguished by the presence of a long, narrow proboscis, which they use to penetrate the skin of their hosts and feed on blood. The females of this genus are the ones that bite humans and animals to obtain the necessary nutrients for egg development. They are known to be active during the evening and night, seeking areas of stagnant water to lay their eggs.
These mosquitoes have a widespread distribution, being found in various habitats such as urban areas, rural environments, and natural ecosystems. They are a nuisance to humans and animals due to their irritating bites, which can cause itching and discomfort. Additionally, their ability to transmit infectious diseases makes them a significant public health concern.
Efforts to control culex mosquitoes include the use of insecticides, the elimination of their breeding sites, and the promotion of preventive measures such as the use of bed nets and repellents. Understanding the behavior and ecology of culex mosquitoes is crucial for implementing effective mosquito control strategies and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
A genus of mosquitos.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "culex" is derived from Latin. It is the singular form of "culices", which means "gnat" or "mosquito" in Latin. The etymology of "culex" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word *kū- or *kū́l-, which signifies "to buzz" or "to hum". This root word evolved into various related terms across different Indo-European languages, including "culex" in Latin.
