Seasonal and Diel Patterns of Biting Midges (Ceratopogonidae) and Mosquitoes (Culicidae) on the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Abstract

The Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island, SC, is surrounded by tidal salt marshes, which are breeding habitats for many pestiferous biting flies. Knowledge of biting fly behavior patterns is needed to develop effective pest management strategies in urban areas adjacent to salt marshes. We measured biting midge (Ceratopogonidae) and mosquito (Culicidae) seasonal abundance and diel activity patterns on Parris Island using CO 2 -baited suction traps from November 2001 -November 2004. Of the three biting midge species collected, Culicoides furens was most abundant (86.2% of total) and was present in high numbers from late March to November. Culicoides hollensis (12.0% of total) was present during spring and fall but absent in summer and winter; and Culicoides melleus (1.7% of total) was present in spring through fall but absent in winter. Abundance of C. furens had a positive linear correlation with air temperature and rainfall. There were nonlinear correlations between air temperature and C. hollensis and C. melleus numbers, which were most abundant at moderate temperatures. Of 18 mosquito species collected, the most abundant were Aedes taeniorhynchus (42.7% of total), Aedes sollicitans (26.3% of total), Culex salinarius (15.6% of total), Culex quinquefasciatus (7.3% of total), and Aedes vexans (5.7% of total); other species comprised <5% of collections. Aedes taeniorhynchus numbers were positively correlated with temperature and rainfall, and Cx. salinarius was correlated with soil moisture. Activity of most biting midges and mosquitoes were highest the first two hours following sunset. Species of biting flies were present in all months, suggesting that yearround control measures are necessary to reduce exposure to potential disease vectors and nuisance biting.

Daily and seasonal variation in the activity of potential vector mosquitoes

“…These differences in results obtained may be due to the different climatic conditions of the two areas as well as to the methods of trapping. Breidenbaugh et al [23] also reported allday activity (24 hours) in Aedes spp. in South Carolina, in the United States.…”

“…They found higher abundances of these species in the afternoon hours with a pronounced peak at sunset. However, Breidenbaugh et al [23] did not distinguish differences in activity between individual species. Among Culex spp., Breidenbaugh et al [23] found two discernable peaks in activity; one around sunset and the second after dark.…”

“…However, Breidenbaugh et al [23] did not distinguish differences in activity between individual species. Among Culex spp., Breidenbaugh et al [23] found two discernable peaks in activity; one around sunset and the second after dark. Again for this genus, differences between individual species were not monitored.…”

“…Again for this genus, differences between individual species were not monitored. Breidenbaugh et al [23] study predominantly concerned mosquitoes not occurring in Europe.…”

“…Chadee et al [21]). Furthermore, daily activity of the mosquito species of medical or veterinary importance has been monitored in Brazil [22], Parris Island (South Carolina) [23], France [24] and Sweden [25].…”