Can all competent mosquito vectors equally transmit avian malaria parasites?

Much still remains to be understood about the transmission of avian malaria parasites in the wild, especially from the vector standpoint. An area of particular interest in our group, and that is currently poorly explored, is the role of vector competence in a multitude of mosquito species, and across several genera, in the transmission of avian malaria parasites. Here we present two years worth of avian malaria prevalence and diversity data from both avian and mosquito populations at our field site in Fresno County, California. Up to 18 lineages of Plasmodium were isolated with preliminary data that suggest that there is parasite specificity for both the host (avian species) and the vector (mosquito species).  Culex tarsalis, Culex stigmatosoma, and Culex restuans were implicated as major vectors based on salivary gland infection rates. We also discuss preliminary results from experimental infections of vector competence that are currently underway.