Leo. Braack et al., BITING PATTERN AND HOST-SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF ANOPHELES-ARABIENSIS (DIPTERA, CULICIDAE) IN NORTHEASTERN SOUTH-AFRICA, Journal of medical entomology, 31(3), 1994, pp. 333-339
Biting rhythm as well as vertical and horizontal distribution of host-
seeking Anopheles arabiensis Patton was studied at a remote warm-water
spring in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, which usually is de
void of human presence. An. arabiensis seeking hosts were collected th
roughout the night with several peaks, often with greatest biting acti
vity during the predawn period. Abundance did not decline linearly as
a function of distance from the breeding area, but was related to vege
tation patterns. Most bites occurred on the ankles or feet and decreas
ed rapidly above that height. Wearing closed shoes or raising feet off
the ground could reduce vector contact and therefore the risk of mala
ria infection.