UF researcher Lawrence Reeves and his team have discovered a new species of mosquito in Miami-Dade, Collier, and Lee counties. This mosquito, culex lactator, is concerning scientists because of its potential to carry disease to Florida residents.

Reeves and team used DNA analysis to identify the mosquito. This species is typically found in Central America/Northern South America, contributing to transmission of West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses, among others. Every year, Florida faces the dangers of mosquito-transmitted diseases, and research can help determine if this mosquito will exacerbate those challenges.

• Lawrence Reeves