Variations in Feeding Patterns of Seven Culicine Mosquitoes on Vertebrate Hosts in Weld and Larimer Counties, Colorado *

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Abstract
Summary Engorged specimens of seven mosquito species, Culex tarsalis, Culex pipiens, Culiseta inornata, and four species of Aedes were collected in Weld and Larimer Counties, Colorado, during 1963, 1964, and 1965. The blood-meals were identified by precipitin tests. C. tarsalis had fed a high proportion of the time on birds and on mammals. In May of 1963 and 1964, there was an increase in mammalian blood-meals during a 2-week period, and a similar increase occurred during the week of May 31 in 1965. Increased mammalian feeding by C. tarsalis also was noted during July, August, and early September in 1963 and 1964, when mosquito populations were high. C. pipiens feedings were compared with those of C. tarsalis at one site. C. pipiens fed almost exclusively on birds; whereas C. tarsalis fed in a pattern similar to that found in other study areas. C. inornata and Aedes spp. fed almost exclusively on domestic mammals, predominantly cattle.

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