Seasonal Variation of Aedes taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann) at the International Airport, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Abstract

From 1968 through 1965 we operated several New Jersey light-traps nightly at Isla Verde, Puerto Rico to find out whether the abundance of Aedes taeniorhynchus varied according to a definite seasonal pattern, and whether the variation was related to inches of rainfall or to predicted heights of the tides. To prove that the number of specimens caught by the traps correlated closely with the numbers in nature we regularly counted those coming to bite a man at a station near one of the traps. Graphs showing the monthly average number of specimens of A. taeniorhynchus per light-trap night revealed a seasonal pattern which was reasonably consistent from year to year. In general, the season of greatest abundance began in April and terminated in October, while the period of low incidence was November through March. The yearly average per light-trap night did not increase or decrease with the annual total inches of rainfall. Years of light rainfall may result in more mosquitoes than do those of heavy precipitation. Peak months of mosquito abundance on the graphs, however, often coincided with peak months of rainfall. Monthly high or low tides were not correlated with peaks or recessions of mosquitoes. The number of specimens caught in the light-traps was in direct proportion to the number biting man in the vicinity.