Like S. simulii, S. culicis is widespread and has been found living in several families of Nematocera. However, mosquito larvae (Culicidae) are the usual hosts. Williams and Lichtwardt (1990) reported finding S. culicis on North Island in a population of mosquito larvae (Culex pervigilans Bergroth) as well as in an unusual host, a solitary midge (Austrothaumalea sp. (Diptera, Thaumaleidae)). We present here the first report of S. culicis on South Island; it was found in the hindgut of one unidentified midge larva from Waipori Falls (site ZEA-85), along with another harpellid, Stachylina minima.

Smittium culicis most often occurs in the larvae of mosquitoes, but occasionally has been found in blackfly and midge larvae, and has a very wide geographical distribution. Our only records of S. culicis are from North Island. It was found in larvae of Culex pervigilans Bergroth from a ditch at site 6. We were able to obtain an axenic culture (ZEA-6-3) on 0.1-strength brain heart infusion medium (Difco) from one of the larvae. Not far from that site, a larva of Austrosimulium australense had that same fungal species. The most unusual record was finding S. culicis in the hindgut of an Austrothaumalea sp. larva (Diptera, Thaumaleidae), which it shared with Smittium rarum, described above (site 1).