A Spatial Distribution Study of Culex Mosquito Population Distribution in Utah

Abstract

A species complex occurs when related organisms differ minimally, causing a discrepancy in the taxonomy. The Culex pipiens mosquitoes are a complex that are morphologically identical among females, differing only in their behavioral and physiological characteristics. In 2004, the hybridizing zone of the Culex pipiens complex was determined in California using molecular analysis, with Cx. pipiens pipiens occurring North of 39° latitude, and Cx. quinquefasciatus occurring South of 36° latitude. Among these latitudes, the two species overlap and a hybrid species can occur. The population dynamics of the Cx. pipiens complex established in California was used as a baseline for this study, hypothesizing the molecular distribution of the species across the state of Utah. Using PCR and gel electrophoresis, the differences among Cx. pipiens pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and their hybrids were identified. The hybridization and spatial distribution of the Cx. pipiens complex was determined in Utah, providing a baseline for examining the effects anthropogenic climate change may have on the Cx. pipiens complex and to monitor the transmission of West Nile virus and other arboviruses carried by the Cx. pipiens complex.