RESPONSE OF BITING MIDGES (DIPTERA, CERATOPOGONIDAE) TO CARBON-DIOXIDE, OCTENOL, AND LIGHT IN SOUTHEASTERN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

The effect of 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) on catches of estuarine biting mi dges in encephalitis vector surveillance (EVS) traps was examined in s outheastern Queensland. Octenol by itself was not attractive but appea red to act as a synergist with CO2 to increase catches of most species . For four of six species tested, a medium (about 6 mg/h) release rate of octenol captured the most individuals. Addition of light also incr eased the catch size of most species. Octenol in combination with CO2 could be used to enhance biting midge catch size, improving the sensit ivity of surveillance for midges and the pathogens they vector.