Parity in Airborne Populations of the Biting Gnat Culicoides variipennis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Northeastern Colorado 1

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Abstract
Female Culicoides variipennis (Coquillet) collected with a vehicle-mounted trap in Northeastern Colorado during April to November 1978 were examined to determine diel and seasonal patterns of parity. Of 3,125 females collected, 25% were nulliparous, 39% were parous, 36% were gravid, and 9% had a visible blood meal. The percentage of nulliparous females decreased as the season progressed, and none was observed after mid-October. Proportionately more nulliparous females were active before sunset and less active after sunset. Parous females were more active after sunrise in contrast to other groups and most active after the end of evening nautical twilight. Gravid females were very active after sunset until the end of evening nautical twilight and were least active after sunrise. Gravid females were very active at full moon, and parous females were more active at new moon.