Seasonal and Nocturnal Activity of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Adapted to Different Environments in the Balearic Islands

Several pathogens are known to be transmitted by arthropods. One of the most relevant, in economic terms, affecting animals is bluetongue virus. Its vectors several species Culicoides midges. In Europe, considered main vector imicola and obsoletus, though other may implicated at different levels. present work, activity these between sunset sunrise from May November analyzed according their captures a rotator bottle collector adapted light trap. Additionally, populations two areas Mallorca (Spain) with characteristics (rural vs. urban) compared. The results indicated that June month higher abundance C. obsoletus our climatic conditions—being active during first three hours after sunset. Conversely, reached maximum level October, were more evenly distributed night. Collections revealed composed same species; however, sex ratio presented marked differences. These add valuable insight into ecology used design accurate strategies control diseases associated Culicoides.