What is one major risk associated with the Southern House Mosquito?

The Southern House Mosquito is a significant public health concern primarily because it can carry the encephalitis virus. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can be caused by many different viruses, and mosquitoes, including this species, can be vectors for such diseases. When a mosquito bites an infected host, it can acquire the virus and subsequently transmit it to another host during its feeding process. This ability to act as a disease vector makes the Southern House Mosquito a major risk in areas where these viruses are prevalent, thus posing a serious threat to human health.

The other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of the Southern House Mosquito. For instance, while it is true that some mosquitoes may have limited lifespans, the assertion that this species only lives for a week is inaccurate as they typically have a longer lifespan. Additionally, the claim that it does not bite humans is false, as this mosquito is known for feeding on human blood, which contributes to its role in disease transmission. Lastly, the information about feeding primarily on plant matter is misleading since the Southern House Mosquito is a blood feeder rather than primarily a plant feeder. This emphasis on its vector capability elucidates why the Southern House Mosquito is a significant risk associated with ence