This species is a known persistent biter of humans. It is suspected of having contributed to malaria transmission in the past and has been shown to be a competent vector of both tropical and Eurasian strains of malaria.
Remains widespread in Europe, mostly coastal but also found in freshwater habitats. Implicated as a key vector of malaria during the twentieth century.
Endemic to Japan, north-eastern China, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and parts of Russia, a vector for Japanese encephalitis virus in parts of Russia.