Identification of the Host Range of Culex Tritaeniorhynchus Mosquitoes on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands1

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Abstract
A study was made to identify the host range of Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Giles) on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. Engorged mosquitoes were collected in light traps that were located in areas preselected to provide various types of animal habitat. Blood meals from mosquitoes were collected on filter paper or the engorged bodies were placed in vials. Antisera were produced in chickens and rabbits to pig, cow, goat, horse, dog, chicken and human serum. The mosquito blood meals were identified by precipitin tests. A total of 20,522 Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquito blood meals were identified. The results showed that C. tritaeniorhynchus generally fed on larger domestic animals such as cows and pigs. Over 80% of the mosquitoes tested had fed on these 2 animals. A few mosquitoes had fed on horses, goats, dogs, and chickens. Only 4 mosquitoes (0.02%) had fed on man. This very low incidence of feeding on man may cause doubt as to the importance of this mosquito as a primary vector of Japanese encephalitis to man on Okinawa.

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