Seasonal dynamics and nocturnal activities of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Aras Valley, Turkey

Abstract

Species composition, nocturnal activity and population dynamics of mosquitoes in the Aras Valley of Turkey are studied. Seven New Jersey light traps were activated two nights per month at different sampling sites showing various habitats such as riverside, orchard, roadside, village, wooded area, agricultural area and pasture in 30 km2 area. The night was divided into 6 equal nocturnal periods (1800-2000 h, 2000-2200 h, 2200-2400 h, 2400-0200 h, 0200-0400 h, 0400-0600 h), and the specimens were collected in consecutive 2 hours. From June to September 2006, 2415 specimens representing 6 species were collected. The most dominant species was Oc. dorsalis (72.13% of total specimens) followed by Cx. pipiens (12.05%) and Cx. theileri (9.44%). © TÜBİTAK.