Seasonal dynamics of Wyeomyia leucostigma Lutz, 1904 (Diptera: Culicidae) in Typha L., 1753 marshes in an urban protected area: use of larval habitats and its relation with environmental variables

Abstract

Larval habitat availability, Typha phytotelmata use and the relation of environmental factors to annual dynamics of the mosquito Wyeomyia leucostigma Lutz, 1904 (larvae and females) were studied in Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve at Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bimonthly, 1520 plants were examined, detecting W. leucostigma in 80.8% of surveys. Larval habitat availability was associated with temperature, but not with rainfall. In addition, the high temperature was associated with greater biting rate. Dynamics of host-seeking were recorded over 10months of the year and were associated with temperature as well. Furthermore, an accidental fire led to an increase of W. leucostigma abundance likely based on an increase of the Thypha marshes productivity that occurred after the fire.