Correlation of hourly suction trap collections of Culicoides furens and C. hollensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) with wind, temperature and habitat.

Abstract

Daily Right activity of Culicoides furens and C. Hollensis was monitored during peak seasonal abundance near salt marsh breeding sites by hourly collections with suction traps. Both species had 2 crepuscular peaks of activity. C. furens was mostly nocturnal, with a large peak of activity immediately after sunset; C. Hollensis was mostly diurnal with a large morning peak. Males accounted for only 9% of the C. furens and 3% of the C. Hollensis total catches. Wind (velocity and direction) and temperature were continuously measured during the hours of suction trap operation and correlated with insect capture. C. furens activity was correlated with wind velocity. C. Hollensis activity was correlated with wind direction and temperature. Many more C. furens specimens were trapped in the marsh than in the adjacent wooded area; C. Hollensis adults were trapped about equally in the 2 areas. C. furens remained active throughout the day in the wooded area but not in the marsh.