Seasonal Development of Tree-Hole Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and Chaoborids in Relation to Weather And Predation1

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Abstract
Four species of tree-hole mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and 1 species of Chaoboridae in temperate north Florida commence their vernal development as embryos or larvae. Except for Toxorhynchites rutilus , all species overwinter in various prepupal stages. Overwintering populations of Orthopodomyia signifera, Aedes triseriatus , and Anopheles barberi are sparser and younger in the presence of Tx. rutilus than in its absence. Vernal pupation occurs first among Tx. rutilus , followed by Or. signifera–Ae. triseriatus–An. barberi , and then the chaoborid Corethrella appendiculata. Toxorhynchites rutilus, Ae. triseriatus , and An. barberi all pupate over a brief period, while C. appendiculata and Or. signifera pupate over a period of several weeks. The overwintering stages and the timing and variability of vernal development are interpreted as adaptations to seasonal harshness and to varying degrees of predation. The pattern of seasonal development is reviewed in the context of vector control.

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