Présence d'Aedes (Ochlerotatus) pullatus (Coquillett) (Diptera: Culicidae) dans les Chic-Chocs, Parc de la Gaspésie, Québec. Implications biogéographiques de cette extension d'aire

Abstract

Aedes pullatus is a typical boreoalpine species with an holarctic but discontinuous distribution. Several alpine mosquito larval habitats were found on Mont Albert (1150 m). Aedes pullatus was the dominant species, whereas Aedes hexodontus was present only sporadically. This locality is by far the southernmost known so far for both species in eastern North America. The larval breeding sites of Ae. pullatus are described. Comparison with habitats described from Eurasia and from the Cordillera shows similarities in all the Holarctic localities: unshaded sites, rock pools or ponds with a rocky bottom, and riparian ponds. Presence of Ae. pullatus in the Chic-Choc Mountains is discussed in regard to the last Pleistocene glaciation. The probable reasons for the distribution of the species in eastern North America are discussed.