Distribution of Mosquitoes in National Park Units of the Northeastern United States
Lussier CM, Ginsberg HS, Lebrun RA. 2006. Distribution of Mosquitoes in National Park Units of the Northeastern United States. US Dep. of the Interior, National Park Service. Boston, Massachusetts
Mosquito species commonly involved in West Nile Virus (WNV) transmission in eastern North America include Culex pipiens, Cx. restuans, Cx. salinarius, and Aedes vexans. We surveyed mosquitoes at eight national park sites in the northeastern U.S., and developed surveillance recommendations based on a comparison of catches in CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps and in gravid traps at the various parks. Few national parks have mosquito surveillance programs and mosquito distribution within most parks is unknown. Adult mosquitoes were sampled using three types of traps: CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps, gravid traps baited with an oak infusion, and gravid traps baited with a standard hay infusion. Also, mosquitoes that approached investigators while setting traps were collected. All specimens were identified and counted, and selected adults from the gravid traps were sent for viral testing. We compared sampling methods, including CO2-baited CDC Miniature Light Traps, gravid traps baited with hay infusion, gravid traps with oak leaf infusion, and aerial sampling of adult mosquitoes approaching investigators. CO2-baited CDC traps captured the most mosquitoes and the greatest diversity of mosquito species. The results of this study suggest that of the parks sampled, conditions were most suitable for WNV activity at Gateway National Recreation Area and Fire Island National Seashore. Both of these parks had substantial populations of enzootic vectors along with abundant species that are potential bridge vectors.