Studies of the epidemiology of arthropod-borne virus infections at Mitchell River Mission, Cape York Peninsula, North Queensland: I. Mosquito collections, 1963–1966

Abstract

40,508 female mosquitoes of 40 species were collected in light- or chicken-baited traps or biting man, on 8 occasions in the period March 1963 to November 1966, at Mitchell River Mission, Cape York Peninsula, North Queensland. Catches were highest for most species in the wet season, but Ficalbia and Aedeomyia were more abundant in the dry season and Mansonia and Coquillettidia equally common in both seasons. Variations in population between seasons and between successive years could be correlated with rainfall and with known breeding sites. A comparison of collections on chickens and on man suggested that Anopheles species fed on mammals, Culex pullus and Culex squamosus on birds, and other Culex species, Mansonia, Coquillettidia and Aedes on both; Uranotaenia, Ficalbia and Aedeomyia were not taken on either host. Culex annulirostris, the most frequent source of arboviruses in the area, was also the commonest mosquito taken; it showed seasonal variation in host preference, with a higher proportion taken on man in the dry season; it is suggested that its association with man-made breeding sites may be of value in control. Host preferences described for Anopheles spp. and Culex squamosus suggest that mammals may act as vertebrate hosts for Mapputta, Kowanyama and MRM3630 viruses, and birds as hosts for Kunjin virus. The seasonal variation in population of Anophelines known as potential vectors of malaria is discussed with reference to the past history of malaria in the area.