Seasonal and Spatial Abundance of Culicoides Spp. Larvae in Roadside Salt Marsh Areas at Yankeetown, Florida

Authors

  • Daniel L. Kline

Abstract

Spatial and seasonal fluctuations in Culicoides spp. larval abundance were determined in a specialized salt marsh habitat formed by the intersection of a secondary tidal creek with the drainage ditch of a major access road. Studies were conducted at 3 locations at Yankeetown, Florida, where this habitat was found. At each location, 5 positions were sampled: ditch bank, ditch bottom, Spartina interface, ca. 1 m and ca. 5 m into a Juncus marsh. In terms of the average number of larvae/sample for the 3 locations combined, the Spartina position was the most productive, followed in order of decreasing abundance by the Juncus A (1 m into marsh), Juncus B (5 m into marsh), ditch bottom, and ditch bank. Assessment of the seasonal patterns for those 3 locations combined revealed that Spartina was the most productive area from November through June, and Juncus A or Juncus B from June through October. Data obtained from individual locations deviated slightly from these general patterns when they were considered separately.

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Published

1989-03-01

Issue

Section

Literature Review Articles