Complexity of the Culex pipiens complex in California

In California, the Culex pipiens complex consists of Culex pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, their hybrids and Culex pipiens form molestus. Using 15 microsatellite markers and a variety of statistical analyses of within- and among-population variation, there is widespread introgression throughout the Central Valley with mostly quinquefasciatus genotypes in the south and pipiens in the north. Those specimens in the Sacramento County area consisted primarily of pipiens-quinquefasciatus and pipiens-molestus hybrids. Populations in Coachella Valley and Los Angeles, CA and Benton, WA were Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. pipiens, respectively. Studies are underway to relate these genotypes to phenotypes of autogeny, diapause and vector competence for West Nile Virus.