ANOPHELES ANNULIPES WALKER (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) AT GRIFFITH, NEW SOUTH WALES. 2. BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR OF TWO SIBLING SPECIES

Abstract

AbstractTwo 2 sibling species, previously concealed within Anopheles annulipes, are sympatric at Griffith. The species are provisionally designated as species A and species G. Larvae of both species were found together at some sites. However, relatively few larval habitats of species G were found suggesting that major habitats were undetected. Typical sites for species A were the margins of slow moving drainage canals with filamentous algae. Adults of species A were more abundant closer to Griffith township. Adults of species G were predominant away from Griffith in flooded rice and pasture areas. Species A females developed faster than species G females. In both species, nocturnal activity patterns were similar with most biting occurring in the first few hours after dusk with minor activity peaks around midnight and dawn. Paired EVS trap and human‐bait collections indicated that species A was the more anthropophilic.