Nectar feeding activity of Aedes mosquitoes, with special reference to Aedes communis females.

Abstract

A total of 5,721 mosquitoes (6% males) of 16 species were collected with an aerial net, when attracted to the investigator, during May-August 1984 at 2 sites in central Sweden. The majority of the mosquitoes collected (63%) were Aedes communis. Aedes communis females at both localities showed peak flight activity at evening twilight. At one site, a diel pattern of nectar feeding was correlated with host seeking activity; at the other site no correlation was found. Seasonal differences in mean fructose content of the mosquitoes were found. Among the 94 blood-fed females (belonging to 6 species) that were collected, 71% were fructose positive (n = 67) and in different ovarian stages.