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Published on: July 11, 2014
Horse-baited insect trap and mobile insect sorting table used in a disease vector identification study
M G Fletcher1, E C Turner, J W Hansen
1Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695.
Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers surveyed insects for Potomac Horse Fever vectors using a horse-baited trap. The trap effectively collected biting flies during the day and dusk but was less effective for mosquitoes at night.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Arthropod-borne Diseases
Background:
- Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) is a significant equine disease.
- Identifying vectors is crucial for disease prevention and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey arthropod populations for potential vectors of PHF in Maryland and Virginia.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a horse-baited trap and mobile sorting table for live insect collection.
Main Methods:
- A horse-baited trap and mobile insect sorting table were employed for arthropod surveys.
- Collections focused on diurnal and crepuscular periods to capture key biting fly species.
Main Results:
- The trap effectively collected haemophagous Diptera, including Simulium spp., Stomoxys calcitrans, Musca autumnalis, Tabanus spp., Chrysops spp., and Culicoides spp.
- Live collection of mosquito species during nocturnal periods was less convenient with the current trap design.
Conclusions:
- The employed methods are effective for surveying diurnal and crepuscular biting flies, potential PHF vectors.
- Modifications to the trap design are recommended to improve nocturnal mosquito live trapping.
