The Biting Habits of Leptoconops bequaerti. I. Methods; Standardization of Technique; Preferences for Individuals, Limbs and Positions

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Abstract
Observations on the biting habits of L. bequaerti were made in 2 standardization experiments (morning, i.e. dawn + 80 min.; and just before sunset); regular weekly early morning biting rates (dawn + 40 or 60 min.); and from 4 24 hr. trials. The methods are described in detail. This paper is concerned with within period sources of variation, e.g. individuals, limbs and positions. L. bequaerti females show a very strongly marked preference for the leg, on which they are 4 times as numerous as on the arm (difference between logarithmic means (Ml) of 0.597). Four people were compared (L, K, C and S). L and K were equally attractive, and caught about 30% more than C. All 3 caught significantly more than S. L and K caught more than twice as much (log 0.352) and C rather less than twice (log 0.239). L. bequaerti was equally abundant in each of the 4 positions at both Florida beach and White Bay. The findings for Culicoides barbosai, C. furens and L. bequaerti are compared and discussed.

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