P. J. Obenauer, obenauer@cox.net, University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology, Bldg. 970, Natural Area Drive, P. O. Box 110620, Gainesville, FL and Phillip E. Kaufman, pkaufman@ifas.ufl.edu, University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department, P.O. Box 110620, Gainesville, FL.
Aedes albopictus has a natural propensity to feed on hosts 1 meter from the ground. We examined the response of host-seeking Ae. albopictus to three commercially available traps (BG Sentinel, Mosquito Magnet-Experimental, Omni-Directional Fay-Prince) placed at 1 and 6 m heights in suburban neighborhoods and in San Felasco State Park, Alachua County, Florida from May to September 2007. All traps were baited with CO2 and an attractant (BG-Mesh Lure) and allowed to run continuously for 48 hours within four suburban and four sylvatic sites. Although a greater number of adults were captured at 1 m than at 6 m, results indicate that Ae. albopictus will seek hosts above 1 m. Fewer Ae. albopictus were captured in sylvatic sites than in suburban neighborhoods. Other mosquito species collected in sufficient numbers included Ochlerotatus infirmatus (Dyar and Knab), Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say), Culex nigripalpus Theolbald and Psorophora ferox (von Humboldt). These results may have implications on disease transmission between hosts and how control efforts are implemented. In addition, these results demonstrate that the BG Sentinel trap may be a useful tool for sampling Ae. albopictus and Oc. triseriatus adults, especially in suburban neighborhoods.
Species 1: Diptera Culicidae
Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito)