182 - Bionomics and phenology of Culiseta particeps (Culicidae) mosquitoes in Lake County, California with considerations for changes in land-use and wildfire

Abstract: Culiseta particeps is an uncommon and rarely studied mammalophilic mosquito species with a known range along the west coast of the United States and Canada, from Alaska to Mexico, with some collections made in Arizona. Little research has been done on the seasonality or overall bionomics of the species. The goal of this study was to address gaps in previous research and investigate aspects on the bionomics of Cs. particeps including host selection, parity, overwintering behavior, and larval and adult seasonality in Lake County, California. Adult collections were made to target both host-seeking and resting mosquitoes using traps, as well as vacuum aspirated collections from large red boxes and underground, man-made environments. Larval collections were made via dip sampling. All mosquitoes were identified to species, where possible. Determination of aestivation or overwintering status was evaluated through dissections of ovaries of empty (non blood-fed or gravid) adult females. A total of 52 blood-fed Cs. particeps were collected in Lake County and bloodmeals identified to determine host preference. Collection results and locations have been altered in recent years due to land-use changes and habitat altered by wildfires. This study will provide future investigators with additional knowledge of this species aiding in the broader understanding of mosquito biology and ecology and potentially the impact of natural disasters and human interference.