Diel Patterns of Mosquito Activity in a High Arctic Locality: Hazen Camp, Ellesmere Island, N.W.T.

Abstract

AbstractDiel patterns of emergence, flight, host-seeking and oviposition have been studied in two mosquitoes, Aedes (Ochlerotatus) impiger and A. (O.) nigripes, at Hazen Camp (71° 18′ W., 81° 49′ N.). Diel periodicities were detected in both species for all these activities except flight. Oviposition of A. nigripes shows a well-defined pattern, but otherwise periodicities are evident only as slight and somewhat irregular diel fluctuations. All diel patterns show a maximum near solar noon, and appear to result from a direct (exogenous) response to ambient temperature. The patterns of host-seeking flight, closely similar in both species, are compared with those recorded for Aedes (Ochlerotatus) at lower latitudes. Small morning and afternoon peaks at Hazen Camp are seen as vestiges of sunrise and sunset maxima that characterize this periodicity further south.