Host feeding patterns of Connecticut mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Blood-engorged Coquillettidia perturbans, Psorophora ferox, Culex, Culiseta, and Aedes mosquitoes were collected principally by sweep net from salt marsh and woodland habitats in Connecticut. Of the 570 mosquitoes tested, precipitin tests identified the origins of 517 blood meals and revealed distinct host feeding patterns. Aedes mosquitoes fed chiefly on mammals; A. abserratus, A. cantator, and A. vexans showed selectivity for cattle and (or) horses. A. cantator also obtained blood from avian hosts and, in some instances, showed mixed passerine-mammal blood meals. These findings increase the vector potential of this salt marsh mosquito for eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus. Feedings on deer by A. abserratus suggest potential involvement of this mosquito in the transmission of certain subtypes of California encephalitis. Culex-pipiens, C. restuans, Culiseta melanura, and Cs. morsitans dyari acquired blood almost exclusively from passeriform birds.