OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIONOMICS OF SOME NORTHERN MOSQUITO SPECIES (CULICIDAE: DIPTERA)

Abstract

The species of mosquitoes now known to occur at Churchill, Man., are listed and include 12 species of Culicinae and four of Chaoborinae. Evidence is advanced that one of these, Aedes communis DeG., may really be two species; and a method is suggested of separating some of the black-legged species of Aedes without using larval characters or scaling. Some observations on larval habits and habitats, seasonal development, species associations, temperature relationships, and natural enemies are given. Rearing methods used in the field and in the insectary are described. Seasonal changes in numbers, species composition, and activity of the adult population are studied, and quantitative estimates of the influence of meteorological factors on activity are made. Mating habits are described, and adult feeding habits, both on nectar and on blood, are discussed and illustrated. Observations on the development and number of eggs of some species are recorded.