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.

Spatially different annual cycles but similar haemosporidian infections in distant populations of collared sand martins

“…Many vectors of haemosporidian parasites like mosquitoes and midges (but not louse flies) are particularly active during twilight periods [ 51 ]. A potential host might reduce its infection risk by hiding in shelters during peak times of vector activity.…”

Nighttime Aerial Sprays for Control of Crepuscular Biting Midges in South Carolina

“…Mammal-feeding Culicoides spp. are serious pests in coastal areas across North America, including on the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRDPI), SC (Breidenbaugh et al 2009, Sloyer et al 2019. Culicoides spp.…”

“…The MCRDPI has served as a model site for studies on pestiferous Culicoides spp. due to seasonally high pest populations coupled with intense outdoor military training and subsequent potential to cause cellulitis from scratching at bites (Haile et al 1984, Breidenbaugh et al 2009). Haile et al (1984) showed that evening aerial spray operations can reduce Culicoides spp.…”

“…Haile et al (1984) showed that evening aerial spray operations can reduce Culicoides spp. over large areas, fundamentally matching the host-seeking period of the primary pest species, which are predominantly active at dusk and dawn (Lillie et al 1987, Breidenbaugh et al 2009). However, nighttime aerial pesticide applications may be advantageous to maximize pesticide exposure to night-flying vectors (e.g., Culex spp.…”

“…Nonetheless, salt-marsh Culicoides spp. do not have a single synchronized emergence event but have several emergence peaks across their developmental periods that overlap for DECEMBER 2020 273 OPERATIONAL NOTE all 3 pestiferous midge species at MCRDPI during April-May (Breidenbaugh et al 2009), and add difficulty to determining the best timing for a midge adulticide application.…”