TIME OF HOST-SEEKING BY CULEX TARSALIS (DIPTERA, CULICIDAE) IN CALIFORNIA

Factors altering the pattern of Culex tarsalis Coquillett host-seeking activity were studied in Kern and Riverside counties of California us ing an automatic time-segregated sampler baited with bottled CO2 gas r eleased at 0.5 or 1.0 liters/min. Host-seeking always commenced shortl y after sunset and usually peaked during the succeeding 1-3 h, the hot test and driest time of the night. The time of maximal activity varied over time and space, because of increased mosquito abundance (presuma bly reduced blood feeding success), distance of the sampler from resti ng sites, adulticide applications, and perhaps weather.