Date of Award

1989

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

First Advisor

C. L. Meek

Abstract

A sampling technique for estimating the size of adult mosquito populations in vegetation was developed. Regression analysis was used to obtain absolute density estimates from sweep net. Diurnal population size estimates of Louisiana riceland mosquitoes were made on a 35.6-square km site 5 km south of Kaplan, LA. Four mosquito species were present: Psorophora columbiae, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, An. crucians and Culex salinarius. Mosquito species were highly stratified in their distribution. Psorophora columbiae was primarily observed in pastures with livestock and in rice fields. Both Anophelines were found only in structures. Culex salinarius did not exhibit habitat preference. Anopheles quadrimaculatus exhibited 51% gonotrophic dissociation in the winter months. Anopheles curcians overwintered in fallow rice fields. Nocturnal populations did not demonstrate the stratification displayed diurnally. Culicine species responded to moon phase in contrast to Anopheline species. Large captures of all 4 species were observed in livestock occupied structures. Anopheline mean trap catch was determined to be a function of distance from the barn. The effect of environmental parameters on Anopheline physiology was determined. Temperature, photoperiod and humidity each had direct effects on survivorship for both species. Survivorship curves were developed for both species.

Pages

112

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.4782

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