Species composition and seasonal dynamics of mosquitoes in the Belek region of Turkey

Abstract

The species composition and seasonal population dynamics of mosquitoes trapped in the Belek Region of Turkey are described. Eight traps (four New Jersey light traps and four CO2 baited traps) were activated weekly at four different sampling sites (wooded area, open field, village, and road edge). Between May and December, 1997, 4,542 specimens representing seven species (Culex pipiens, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Aedes caspius, Aedes cretinus, Aedes dorsalis, Aedes vexans, and Culiseta annulata) were collected. The most abundant species was Cx. pipiens (26.7% of total catch) followed by Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (23.8%), Ae. caspius (23.4%), Ae. cretinus (10.7%), Ae. dorsalis (8.7%), Cs. annulata (6.2%), and Ae. vexans (0.1%). This is the first record of Ae. cretinus in the area since 1984. The species was captured throughout the study period, although it was most abundant in late summer. Culex tritaeniorhynchus reached its highest density in August, while Cx. pipiens was found in high numbers throughout most of the study period.