Collection size of 3 species of mosquitoes (Aedes taeniorhynchus, Anopheles atropos, and Culex nigripalpus) and a species of biting midge (Culicoides furens) in CDC-type traps baited with carbon dioxide and octenol were significantly increased with the addition of heat. The presence of heat also significantly reduced collection size of the tabanid Diachlorus ferrugatus.

New distribution records for the state of Tabasco following species are presented: Forcipomyia stylifer (Lutz, 1913), Culicoides blantoni Vargas & Wirth, 1955, foxi Ortiz, 1950, leopoldoi 1951, jamaicensis Edwards, 1922, poikilonotus Macfie, 1948 and Stilobezzia coquilletti Kieffer, 1917; new locality gabaldoni 1954, insignis Lutz, 1913, paraensis (Goeldi, 1905) kiefferi Lane, 1947. We conf...

To date, studies on host preferences and blood meal identification have been conducted for Culicoides species using molecular-based methods such as PCR techniques to amplify only a fragment from universal vertebrate mitochondrial genes such as cytochrome c oxidase subunit I or cytochrome b (Cyt b). The vertebrate prepronociceptin gene (PNOC) was also tested in this field. However, the choice of...

Bluetongue virus is the type species of the genus Orbivirus, family Reoviridae. Bluetongue viruses (BTV) are transmitted between their vertebrate hosts primarily by biting midges (Culicoides spp.) in which they also replicate. Consequently BTV distribution is dependent on the activity, geographic distribution, and seasonal abundance of Culicoides spp. The virus can also be transmitted verticall...

BACKGROUND The recent outbreak of bluetongue virus in northern Europe has led to an urgent need to identify control measures for the Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges that transmit it. Following successful use of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae against larval stages of biting midge Culicoides nubeculosus Meigen, we investigated the efficacy of this strain an...

BACKGROUND Within the last few decades Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) emerged Europe-wide as a major vector for epizootic viral diseases e.g. caused by Bluetongue (BT) or Schmallenberg virus. In accordance with the EU regulation 1266/2007, veterinary authorities are requested to determine vector-free periods for loosing trade and movement restrictions of susceptible livestock. Addit...

UNLABELLED African horse sickness virus (AHSV) is a virus species in the genus Orbivirus of the family Reoviridae. There are nine serotypes of AHSV showing different levels of cross neutralization. AHSV is transmitted by species of Culicoides biting midges and causes African horse sickness (AHS) in equids, with a mortality rate of up to 95% in naive horses. AHS has become a serious threat for c...