Content uploaded by Brian D Byrd
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Brian D Byrd on Aug 17, 2020
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
The Mosquitoes of the Mid-Atlantic Region: An Identification Guide
Abstract
This 201 page spiral-bound 8.5 X 11 inch guide includes dichotomous keys to the adult females andfourth instar larvae for 8 states (DE, GA, NC, MD, PA, SC, VA, and WV) with more than 585 novelAdobe Illustrator figures. Printed on 100 lb gloss paper, this guide includes sections such as: 1)Taxonomic Interpretations, 2) State Records, 3) Basic Morphology, 4) The Acquisition of Characters to Separate Larval Instars, 5) Extensive Notes, 6) Couplet Sequences, 7) Illustration Index, 8) How to Use a Dichotomous Key, 9) Glossary, and others. The keys were thoughtfully reviewed by experts from the Smithsonian Institute, North American Mosquito Control Districts, and Academia.
... The hand-picking method, sometimes known as the "One-Hand Snatch" technique, was used to collect the mosquito. After being preserved in 95% ethanol, the specimen was subjected to genetic analysis, confirming an earlier determination based on morphological characteristics [3][4][5][6][7][8]. On 14 October 2023, in a nearby forest, numerous mosquito individuals resembling the initial specimen were observed (CA56 Mikołów, leg. ...
... K. Barszcz) ( Figure 1B,C) [9]. Figure 1D shows the location of both observation sites on a map of Poland. The identification of the analyzed material (collected samples and pictures) was performed using Moskeytool version 2.2 [3] and based on the literature [4][5][6][7][8]. The The identification of the analyzed material (collected samples and pictures) was performed using Moskeytool version 2.2 [3] and based on the literature [4][5][6][7][8]. ...
... The identification of the analyzed material (collected samples and pictures) was performed using Moskeytool version 2.2 [3] and based on the literature [4][5][6][7][8]. The The identification of the analyzed material (collected samples and pictures) was performed using Moskeytool version 2.2 [3] and based on the literature [4][5][6][7][8]. The characteristic features of Ae. japonicus are pleural and mesonotal setulae and body coloration (groups of black and white pleural setulae, especially obvious in fresh specimens). ...
Genetic studies preceded by the observation of an unknown mosquito species in Mikołów (Poland) confirmed that it belongs to a new invasive species in Polish fauna, Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901), a known vector for numerous infectious diseases. Ae. japonicus is expanding its geographical presence, raising concerns about potential disease transmission given its vector competence for chikungunya virus, dengue virus, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. This first genetically confirmed identification of Ae. japonicus in Poland initiates a comprehensive review of the literature on Ae. japonicus, its biology and ecology, and the viral infections transmitted by this species. This paper also presents the circumstances of the observation of Ae. japonicus in Poland and a methodology for identifying this species.
... Mechanical aspirators were used to catch host-seeking mosquitoes by human landing collection. Collected mosquitoes were killed with chloroform vapors and identified using specific keys (Sirivanakarn 1982, Sallum and Forattini 1997, Harrison et al. 2016) through a stereomicroscope (Leica w model M80, Carl-Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). Mosquitoes were pooled in vials and preserved under cryogenic conditions for further analysis. ...
... tormentor, as we report here. The Ae. tormentor female is readily differentiated among Nearctic species of Aedes by the scutum with a median longitudinal pale stripe from head to scutellum, narrower at the posterior end, postprocoxal membrane, antepronotum, and postspiracular areas without patch of pale scales, and hind tarsi without pale bands, and the black lateral scale patches on the head not reaching the eyes because 2-3 rows of narrow white scales are bordering the eyes (Harrison et al. 2016). Although females of Ae. tormentor can bite humans during the day, the medical importance of this species is unknown (Breeland et al. 1961). ...
We report the 1st records of Aedes tormentor and Culex panocossa throughout vector surveillance events carried out in putative foci of eastern equine encephalitis in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Formerly, Ae. tormentor had been reported in, at least, 2 Central American countries and Mexico. In Mexico, reports were from the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Veracruz. Records of Ae. tormentor in these 4 Neotropical states were recently reviewed and eliminated; thus, the southernmost geographic distribution for this species is considered to be the state of Tamaulipas Mexico in its neotropical zone. Further, Cx. panocossa had been collected in Guerrero, Tabasco, and Veracruz. In Tamaulipas, there are 82 species of mosquitoes, being the 4th state accounting for the highest mosquito species diversity of 11 states in which comprehensive studies have been conducted on the subject of mosquito distribution.
... Corresponding to the respective biology of a wide variety of invasive species, specialized surveillance methods over and above standard CDC traps are applied, methods such as the Biogents (BG) Sentinel trap, the BG Counter (Biogents AG, Regensburg, Germany) (Farajollahi et al. 2009, Day et al. 2020, and mechanical aspirators in combination with resting shelters (Sloyer et al. 2022). Species identification of newly introduced mosquitos can be improved when the local mosquito populations are well characterized through existing surveillance efforts (King et al. 1942, Darsie and Ward 2005, Burkett-Cadena 2013, Harrison et al. 2016). Additional information such as county or regional mosquito surveillance records, seasonal distribution, mosquito behavior (e.g., oviposition preference), and trap bias (e.g., phototaxis, chemotaxis) can improve the accuracy and efficiency of the identification process (Giordano et al. 2020. ...
... We asked respondents to report what morphological identification keys they use to identify mosqui-toes to species. The options included were Darsie and Morris (2003), Darsie and Ward (2005), Burkett-Cadena (2013), and Harrison et al. (2016). Respondents were also given the option to specify other sources that were not listed. ...
Several invasive mosquito species that are nuisances or of medical and veterinary importance have been introduced into the Southeastern region of the USA, posing a threat to other species and the local ecosystems and/or increasing the risk of pathogen transmission to people, livestock, and domestic pets. Prompt and effective monitoring and control of invasive species is essential to prevent them from spreading and causing harmful effects. However, the capacity for invasive mosquito species surveillance is highly variable among mosquito control programs in the Southeast, depending on a combination of factors such as regional geography and climate, access to resources, and the ability to interact with other programs. To facilitate the development of invasive mosquito surveillance in the region, we, the Mosquito BEACONS (Biodiversity Enhancement and Control of Non-native Species) working group, conducted a survey on the capacities of various public health agencies and pest control agencies engaged in mosquito surveillance and control in seven Southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina). Ninety control programs completed the survey, representing an overall response rate of 25.8%. We report key findings from our survey, emphasizing the training and resource needs, and discuss their implications for future invasive mosquito surveillance and control capacity building. By increasing communication and collaboration opportunities (e.g., real-time sharing of collection records, coordinated multistate programs), the establishment of Mosquito BEACONS and the implementation of this survey can accelerate knowledge transfer and improve decision support capacity in response to or in preparation for invasive mosquito surveillance and can establish infrastructure that can be used to inform programs around the world.
... In all sampled sites, larvae were reared to the L4 instar and adult stages before preservation, utilising 70% alcohol for larvae and pinning for adults. Species morphological identification -Aedes albopictus was morphologically identified and differentiated from the other unique Stegomyia species of Bolivia, Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus in Hasselquist, 1762), using standard identification keys (17,18,19,20) and principles or other descriptions, (21,22,23,24) from which distinctive diagnostic characters were extracted for adults (Fig. 3) and larvae (Fig. 4). Other species were identified using general keys (18,25) and principles or other descriptions of the species. ...
The presence of Aedes albopictus in Bolivia has been a subject of controversy, with a lack of concrete documentation.
This study aimed to provide evidence of Ae. albopictus presence in Bolivia.
Larval habitats were sampled in Rosario del Yata and San Agustín, Guayaramerín Municipality, Beni Department, northern Bolivia. Collected mosquito larvae were reared to the L4 and adult stages for morphological identification, with some specimens sequenced for confirmation.
Aedes albopictus was identified in multiple larval habitats within peridomestic areas, such as buckets, canisters, and cut plastic bottles used as flower vases in both localities, confirming its establishment in the area. This represents the first concrete documentation of the species in Bolivia. The collections (larvae and adults) have been deposited in the Medical Entomology Laboratory of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and the Laboratory of Entomology of
the Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud of the Ministry of Health in La Paz, Bolivia.
Given its role as a vector for arboviruses such as dengue and Chikungunya, Ae. albopictus should be incorporated into the Bolivian National Programme of Vector Control for monitoring
... Mosquitoes were sorted on a chill table under a stereo microscope and identified according to published keys (Darsie and Ward 2005, Burkett-Cadena 2013, Harrison et al. 2016. Individuals resembling the Culex pipiens complex and Culex restuans Theobald were combined due to the geographic range of Cx. pipiens complex hybrids and a lack of reliable external morphological features (Harrington andPoulson 2008, Kothera et al. 2009). ...
Zoos provide a unique opportunity to study mosquito feeding ecology as they represent areas where exotic animals, free-roaming native animals, humans, and mosquito habitats overlap. Therefore, these locations are a concern for arbovirus transmission to both valuable zoo animals and human visitors. We sampled mosquitoes in and around The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere in Tennessee, USA, over 4 months in 2020 using 4 mosquito trap methods and 12 sampling locations. Mosquitoes were identified to species, Culex mosquitoes were analyzed for arboviruses, and all engorged mosquitoes were preserved for host usage analysis. We captured over 9,000 mosquitoes representing 27 different species, including a new species record for Davidson County, TN (Culex nigripalpus Theobald). Minimum infection rates for West Nile virus (WNV) (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus), St. Louis encephalitis virus (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus), and Flanders virus (Hapavirus: Rhabdoviridae) were 0.79, 0, and 4.17, respectively. The collection of 100 engorged mosquitoes was dominated by Culex pipiens pipiens Linnaeus (38%), Culex erraticus Dyar and Knab (23%), and Culex pipiens pipiens–Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus hybrids (10%). Host DNA from 84 engorged mosquitoes was successfully matched to a variety of host species (n = 23), with just 8 species belonging to the zoo. Wild birds were the most frequently fed upon host, in particular northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis L. Passeriformes: Cardinalidae), which are competent WNV reservoirs. Taken together, our results demonstrate the utility of zoos as sentinels for emerging pathogens, for studying wildlife and human risk of zoonotic diseases, and for assessing vector diversity.
... Posterior a la colecta de los estadios inmaduros (pupas), se identificó y se clasificó taxonómicamente la especie Ae. aegypti por expertos entomólogos apoyados de claves taxonómicas desarrolladas por Forattini [17] (1995) y Harrison et al., [18] (2016) para diferenciarlas de estadios inmaduros pertenecientes a otras especies. Continuando con el protocolo de campo, se identificaron 3.806 pupas de Ae. aegypti, de ellas, 395 fueron conservadas en viales de 0.2 mL con RNAlater© para su procesamiento con técnicas de biología molecular en el grupo de Entomología del Instituto Nacional de Salud (Bogotá, Colombia) (http://www.ins.gov.co). ...
Los mosquitos Aedes aegypti son el principal vector de las arbovirosis humanas en zonas tropicales y subtropicales. Su adaptación a entornos urbanos y rurales genera infestaciones en el intradomicilio de las viviendas. De aquí que, la vigilancia entomológica en asociación con el análisis espacial y el análisis espacio-temporal sean un enfoque innovador para el control de vectores y la gestión del dengue.El objetivo principal de la investigación fue realizar una comparación de la vigilancia entomológica, mediante el uso de índices cuantitativos de pupas y de adultos en tres municipios de alto riesgo de dengue Patía (El Bordo), Miranda y Piamonte del departamento del Cauca, con el fin de examinar cómo influye la productividad de pupas, entre índices entomológicos, en la densidad de mosquitos adultos y otros patrones espaciales y temporales. Ae. aegypti , sus índices entomológicos y su caracterización espacial. Los resultados sugieren que, para las especies de Ae. aegypti , la productividad de pupas genera altas densidades de adultos en las viviendas vecinas, evidenciando un comportamiento estacional.Estos resultados son de gran importancia ya que proporciona una estrategia innovadora para la mitigación de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores utilizando patrones espaciales de los vectores y su asociación con indicadores entomológicos y lugares de cría en barrios de alto riesgo para la transmisión del dengue.
... All collected mosquito samples were immediately transported to the WCU Mosquito and Vector-borne Infectious Disease Laboratory. The samples were freeze-killed (À208C), enumerated, and identified by sex and species via microscopy using a dichotomous key (Harrison et al. 2016). The gonotrophic status of the female mosquitoes were assessed visually to determine if they were gravid or partially dissected to confirm the presence of retained eggs. ...
Neuroinvasive La Crosse virus disease remains the primary cause of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in the USA. In spite of the persistent public health burden, there are limited entomologic surveillance options that target both native and invasive La Crosse virus (LACV) vectors. In this study we used Reiter/Cummings tacklebox gravid traps to compare white oak (Quercus alba) and hay (predominately Festuca arundinacea) infusions within a LACV-endemic area of western North Carolina. Paired gravid traps (approximately 1,728 total trap-hours for each infusion) yielded 485 mosquitoes, with 3 species (Aedes japonicus [n = 265], Ae. triseriatus [n = 156], and Culex restuans [n = 45]) accounting for 96.1% of the total collection. The hay-infusion traps collected 2.5 times more Ae. triseriatus and 1.3 times more Ae. japonicus than the oak-infusion traps. The sum differences in overall collections for these 2 species by infusion type were statistically significant (χ2 = 9.61, df = 1, P = 0.0019). Poisson ratio tests to compare capture rates suggest that hay infusions were more effective for capturing Ae. triseriatus, but that hay and white oak leaf infusions had equivocal capture rates for Ae. japonicus (an invasive LACV accessory vector) and Cx. restuans (an enzootic West Nile virus vector). These results are discussed in the context of operational considerations for LACV vector surveillance.
... During the transportation, collected adult mosquitoes were allowed to feed on a 10% glucose solution soaked in a cotton plug. After successful transportation to the laboratory, the mosquito was identified using different standard identification keys based on morphological characterization under stereo zoom microscopes ( [3,17,6,14,1] . ...
Mosquitoes are important public health concern insects and many species are important vectors that transmit a wide variety of disease-causing pathogens i.e., protozoans, viruses, and nematodes. A mosquito species complex, Psorophora confinnis consists of three species as following; Psorophora confinnis sensu stricto (Lynch Arribalzaga), Psorophora jamaicensis (Theobald), and Psorophora columbiae (Dyar and Knab). Psorophora columbiae is an important vector for the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus that causes febrile illness and progressively severe encephalitis in both equines and humans. Mosquito samples were collected from Banswara district (Lat 23.558306° N & Long 74.37597° E) of Rajasthan, India during routine survey and sampling with the help of a mouth aspirator and transported to the laboratory. Standard identification keys were used to identify the mosquitoes at the species level. Based on morphological characteristics i.e., banding pattern of proboscis, palpi, wings, legs, and abdomen, it is confirmed as Psorophora columbiae. It was first time described by Dyar and Knab in 1906 from Grassymead, Virginia, and is commonly known as the dark rice field mosquito. This is the first report from the rice fields from Rajasthan in the Banswara district. Till now, there is no earlier report of this species from Rajasthan state and it will be a significant finding and contribution to understanding its distribution, behavior, and control of this species.
... BG Sentinel-2 traps were placed in a shaded area in the approximate center of properties (within the barrier treatment zone). When traps were retrieved the next morning at approximately 9:00 a.m., captured adult mosquitoes were transported to the laboratory on ice, identified to species using a dichotomous key (Harrison et al. 2016), and counted using a dissecting microscope. Data for each trap was tracked in an Excel spreadsheet according to property address and date. ...
Pyrethroids are commonly used in barrier treatments but less is known about how mosquitoes are affected by the simultaneous application of an insect growth regulator (i.e., pyriproxyfen) used in barrier treatments. This field study, conducted from May 14 - October 16, 2018, evaluated the effect of lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroid adulticide) and pyriproxyfen on the reproduction (measured by fecundity and adult emergence) and abundance of Aedes albopictus. Nine properties were treated with Demand®CS 0.06% + Archer® 0.010% (every 60 days) and three control properties received no treatment (N=12 total properties). No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed between abundance of Ae. albopictus in treatment compared to control groups. However, significant differences were observed in abundance of Ae. albopictus adults between weeks at both control (P = 0.003) and treatment (P < 0.0001) properties. Results from our research show that continued studies are needed to determine the efficacy of barrier treatments for this species. .
Land cover is recognized as an important determinant of mosquito community assemblages and pathogen transmission, but few studies have investigated the role of land cover in populations of La Crosse virus (LACV) vectors. La Crosse virus is a zoonotic disease primarily maintained by native Aedes triseriatus, with accessory transmission by invasive vectors Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between land cover composition and the egg abundances of LACV vectors in a city with endemic LACV transmission. Oviposition cups were deployed at sites ranging from recreational forests to urban areas. Mixed-effects regression models were used to test the relationships between land cover composition and species abundances. Sites characterized by large percentages of impervious and built surfaces were dominated by Ae. albopictus, but Ae. triseriatus was the most abundant species in forested areas. Aedes japonicus was rare at all sites, but its presence was associated with higher percentages of forested land. These results indicate that forested areas may allow Ae. triseriatus to maintain large populations near urban areas that are dominated by Ae. albopictus. Further research should explore the potential for these land cover-dependent population dynamics to influence LACV transmission cycles.
Twenty-nine species representing eight genera, numerous new county records and one state record, Mansonia titillans (Walker), were collected in a surveillance project conducted in 20 southern Georgia counties during the summer of 1997. A detailed report of species abundance and diversity is presented. Overall, as sampled by CO2 light traps, Culex quinque-fasciatus Say was the most widely distributed species and Aedes vexans (Meigen) was the most abundant species followed closely by Aedes atlanticus Dyer and Knab.
Mosquitoes of the Southeastern United States is a full-color, highly illustrated guide to the sixty-four known species of mosquitoes in eleven genera that populate the South--from the Gulf Coastal states to the Carolinas. In addition to detailed and fully illustrated identification keys for both larvae and adults, Mosquitoes of the Southeastern United States includes information on the mosquito’s lifecycle, interaction with humans, and biological diversity in the southeast. This area of the country has a rich mosquito fauna with diverse species ranging from the tiny pitcher plant mosquito to the brilliantly colored cannibal mosquito. Close-up photographs of live adults showcase their widely varied and beautiful bodies while remarkable images made with the aid of a microaquarium reveal the differences in larval stages of the subjects. For each species described, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena provides biological information including distribution maps, habitat associations of the larvae and adults, range of animals fed upon, and importance from a medical standpoint. This book’s usefulness to mosquito control programs in the Southeast and beyond cannot be overstated. Not only for native species, but for new species introduced from exotic locales, mosquitoes must be properly identified in order to know how best to control them. This volume will also be valuable to medical and public health specialists working on mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus, and filariasis. Mosquitoes of the Southeastern United States is the first guide to integrate full-color photography, illustrated keys, and current information on the biology of mosquitoes into one definitive resource.
This paper provides lists of the mosquitoes collected around the North Carolina and Virginia sides of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in 1998; the first collection records for Ochlerotatus aurifer and Oc. j. japonicus in Virginia; notes on Aedes albopictus, Oc. grossbecki, Oc. infirmatus, Oc. thibaulti, Oc. trivittatus, and Wyeomyia smithii; an up-dating of recent publications that affect the Virginia faunal list; and a revised checklist of the mosquitoes of Virginia. The record of Oc. flavescens is deleted from the Virginia checklist.
During 2005, a population of the Gulf Coast race of Wyeomyia smithii (Coquilett) was studied in the purple pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea L. and one hybrid plant in the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge located in extreme southeastern Mississippi. Twenty-nine larval specimens of Wy. smithii were collected during this study from two clusters of plants approximately 100 m apart. A short review is provided of the changing taxonomic concept for Wy. smithii in the United States. Mississippi populations of Wy. smithii represent a Gulf Coast race of the species, but current evidence does not support providing a subspecies name for this race. Also provided are ecological observations of the affects of a controlled burn of the pitcher plant field as well as the storm surge caused by Hurricane Katrina on the plants and Wy. smithii population densities.