To determine the host-feeding patterns of mosquitoes, blood-fed mosquitoes were collected by 5 di#erent methods from various places such as mountain forests, residential areas and animal sheds of the following 5 islands, Amamioshima, Tokunoshima, Iheyajima, Okinawajima and Iriomotejima in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan over a 6 yr period (2005ῌ2010). A total of 975 bloodmeals derived from bloodfed mosquitoes of 35 species representing 11 genera were successfully identified by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method, and 34 vertebrate species were identified as the bloodmeal hosts. Our results indicate that mosquitoes of the same genus show similar host preferences when blood source animals are classified into 5 major groups; mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes. The genus Anopheles exhibited mammalophilic and Aedes exhibited mammalophilic, but Ae. (Geoskusea) baisasi Knight and Hull fed predominantly on fishes. Host preferences of the genus Culex were somewhat di#erent among subgenera. Subgenus Culex fed on warmblooded animals, including mammals and birds, whereas other subgenera fed on various hosts both warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals. The Uranotaenia species were amphibian-feeders and also fed on reptiles and fishes, but not on warm-blooded animals. Medical importance of mosquito species is discussed as related to their feeding patterns and transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.

Biological studies of Anopheles saperoi were conducted using larval and adult mosquito collections in the northern part of Okinawajima of the Ryukyu Archipelago from June 2009 to July 2010. Anopheles saperoi was the most collected species in the northern Okinawajima, except Motobu Peninsula, where it was not collected. The southern distribution of An. saperoi was Sugita Stream, Nago City. Anopheles saperoi was collected throughout the year with reproduction (gonotrophic cycle) observed year-round. Immature densities varied for Hinna and Yona streams, and were negatively affected by precipitation patterns. Human attraction activity of females varied for by study area and collection time and was positively affected by temperature, but negatively by heavy rainfall. The greatest female human attraction activity was observed during 3:00-5:00 p.m., with peak at twilight. Parity rates varied from 23.1% to 83.3% throughout the year.