Habitat Segregation Among Larval Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Tire Yards in Indiana, USA1

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Abstract
Mosquito larvae in tires were sampled at 6 tire disposal areas in St. Joseph Co., Indiana, USA. Larvae were present in 85% (123/145) of the sun-exposed tires and in 93% (125/135) of the shaded tires. In shaded tires, Aedes triseriatus and Culex restuans accounted for 93% of the total larvae. In the exposed tires Cx. restuans and Aedes atropalpus constituted 74% of the total larvae. Aedes triseriatus larvae were found predominantly in shaded tires and Ae. atropalpus occurred most frequently in exposed tires. Culex pipiens, Cx. restuans and Culex tetiitans showed no preference for either sun or shade. Larval densities of Ae. triseriatus were 3 times higher in shaded tires than in exposed tires. Densities of the other 4 most common species were not significantly different between the 2 tire types. Unique multispecies associations were found in exposed and shaded tires.