Vertical and Temporal Flight Activity of the Mosquito Culiseta Melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) in Southeastern Massachusetts1

Abstract

The vertical and temporal flight patterns of Cs. melanura were studied in southeastern Massachusetts. CDC miniature light traps operated at heights of 1.5, 4.5, and 7.6 m on 14 nights demonstrated that activity was uniform at all levels regardless of the phase of the moon. The temporal pattern of activity was assessed using a pigeon-baited suction trap and a resting box. Host-seeking activity started shortly after sunset, and continued at a relatively constant level throughout the night. At first light in the morning, host seeking ceased and behavior shifted to location of daytime resting sites. Results indicate that Cs. melanura is behaviorally well adapted to blood feeding on avian hosts.