Observations on the Larval Habitats of Some North American Species of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Abstract

Observations were made on 29 species, most of them in Texas and Wisconsin, but a few in Utah, Oklahoma and Colorado. Three species were collected extensively, frequently in association with each other: Culicoides crepuscularis Mall, apparently has a low biotic potential, although it breeds as well in sunlight as in shade; C. haematopotus Mall, prefers shade; and C. variipennis (Coq.) prefers sunlight, although it breeds well in shade. The last-named species is the most tolerant of differences in its environment, breeds well in fresh-, salt-, and alkaline-water environments, but prefers habitats well polluted with manure.