title: Distribution and seasonality of Culex (Melanoconion) caudelli, a vector of arboviruses in Trinidad.
abstract: Seasonal and spatial distributions of the arbovirus vector mosquito Culex (Melanoconion) caudelli Dyar and Knab (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Aripo-Wallerfield forest, Trinidad, were studied by collecting mosquitoes attracted to mouse-baited traps in forest, ecotone and savannah, one day per week throughout the year, 98% of the Cx caudelli mosquitoes were collected during the wet season, with a significant positive correlation between rainfall and mosquito catch. The reverse occurred during the dry season. Cx caudelli displayed a preference for the ecotone where 67% were collected, while 32% and 1% were collected in the forest and savannah respectively.
authors.affiliation: Insect Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, St. Joseph, Trinidad.
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Chadee
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Tikasingh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001102:Arbovirus Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D003465:Culex / Q000254:growth & development*; D006813:Humidity; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000254:growth & development*; D011891:Rain; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature; D014300:Trinidad and Tobago