[2][5] Though C. perturbans are not usually the primary vector of EEE, it still influences the spread of this disease due to its ability to fly long distances and feed on large animals, including humans.

General characteristics of C. perturbans include, but are not limited to: a small head, wedge-shaped thorax, elongated and slim wings, a lengthened and almost cylindrical abdomen, plumose antennae in males and pilose antennae in females, along with a long and slender proboscis, enabling this species with a piercing and sucking apparatus in order to obtain blood meals.

[6] The larva and pupa of C. perturbans are small and contain a siphon modified for respiration through underwater, aquatic plant life.

[6] The larvae and pupae are adapted with an abdominal segment capable of piercing the inner gaseous tissue of the aquatic plant life, or aerenchyma, located within this environment, such as cattails (Typha latifolia) and Juncus sp.

[1] C. perturbans complete four aquatic larval instars while pupal development ranges from a few hours to a few weeks depending on the climate present.

Approximately twenty-four hours after the adult is released from the pupal case, the wings have completed the hardening process and are fully expanded, enabling it to fly.