Until 2000, it was ranked as a subgenus of Aedes but was reclassified as a distinct genus based on taxonomic studies.

[1] This change resulted in the renaming of many subgenus species, and revisions of related taxa in the Aedini tribe are ongoing.

[2] In 1917, a researcher by the name of Edwards transferred it to the aedine subgenus; however, as of 2000, Ochlerotatus has resumed its role as a genus (a revision made by Reinhert, due to common traits in genitalia).

[3] Based on taxonomic characteristics, many species and subgenera of Aedes mosquitoes have been transferred to the Ochlerotatus genus.

[3] After a contentious worldwide debate regarding the effect the taxonomic changes would have on names established over decades of work in scientific, government, and lay communities,[4][5][6] many scientists and others affected by the change espoused the continued use of the previously established names.