Diel activity patterns of two distinct populations of Aedes aegypti in Miami, FL and Brownsville, TX.

The diel biting activity of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L) populations was extensively investigated in the early 1900s to gain more information on the biology of Ae. aegypti, and this information was used to devise effective approaches to controlling populations of this species and protect the human population from widespread arbovirus outbreaks. However, few contemporary studies are available regarding the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti. To assess the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti in southern Florida and Texas, we conducted 96-h uninterrupted mosquito collections once each month from May through November 2019 in Miami, Florida, and Brownsville, Texas, using BG-Sentinel 2 Traps. The overall diel activity pattern in both cities was bimodal with morning and evening peak activity between 7:00 and 8:00 and between 19:00 and 20:00. There were significant daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific differences in activity patterns, but these differences did not affect the overall peak activity times. These differences suggest daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific variations in human exposure to Ae. aegypti. Our observations can be used in planning and executing Ae. aegypti vector control activities in southern Florida and southern Texas, specifically those targeting the adult mosquito populations.

New County Records of Aedes aegypti and Aedes epactius in Colorado.

In August and September 2017, we conducted mosquito surveillance in southeastern Colorado by using ovitraps and larval sampling. The aim was to determine if there were established populations of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the region. A single female Ae. aegypti was reared from eggs collected in La Junta, CO, but Ae. albopictus was not detected. Three other species were reared from eggs and/or larvae: Ae. epactius, Culex restuans, and Cx. pipiens. Aedes aegypti and Ae. epactius were detected for the 1st time in Otero and Baca counties, respectively, and these became new county records for Colorado. Both species were detected in very low numbers, suggesting extremely low population density or sporadic introductions into southeastern Colorado.

A SURVEY OF THE MOSQUITOES OF KOSRAE STATE, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA, 2016.

In response to an outbreak of Zika virus that started in February 2016 on Kosrae Island, Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia, we conducted entomological investigations, including a survey to characterize the mosquito fauna on Kosrae, from November 29 to December 8, 2016. Mosquitoes were collected using several surveillance methods in order to sample all stages of the mosquito life cycle. Eggs were collected using ovicups, larvae and pupae were sampled using standard dippers, and adults were collected using aspirators and Biogents-2 Sentinel traps. All species previously recorded from Kosrae State were found in the current survey, confirming their continued presence on the island. Aedes aegypti was detected on Lelu Island, representing a new municipal record. The collection of Ae. vexans nocturnus represents a new species record for Kosrae, increasing the number of known taxa on this island from 6 to 7. The report herein provides updated knowledge of the mosquitoes that occur on Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia.