Species composition and ecology of blood-sucking mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) in Yakutia

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to study the species composition and ecology of mosquitoes in Yakutia.Materials and methods. The research was performed for herd horses and cattle on pastures in Central, Western and Southern Yakutia in 2005–2021. Faunistic collections were made and the number of blood-sucking mosquito imago was recorded for animals using an entomological net with removable bags, while the average abundance rate of mosquitoes was calculated per 10 net movements in a figure-eight pattern around from 10 repetitions when studying the seasonal abundance dynamics and from 5 repetitions when studying the circadian activity rhythm.Results and discussion. In Yakutia, 15 species of blood-sucking mosquitoes of the family Culicidae were found that belong to three genera: Anopheles, Culiseta, and Aedes. Biotopes occupied by mosquito larvae of the genus Aedes include 74–126 specimens/m2. The first mosquitoes were recorded near an animal bait in the first decade of May. The mass mosquito flight period was observed from the third decade of June to the middle of the second decade of July. The total mosquitofl ight period for the season was 121–124 days. The flight of blood-sucking mosquitoes on the forest pasture continues around the clock, from the third decade of June to the middle of the second decade of July.