Host preference of mosquitoes in Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Host preference of mosquitoes was determined using animal-baited traps. Hosts used in the study were cattle, chickens, dogs, and horses. Ten mosquito species representing 4 genera were collected from the animal-baited traps. Aedes vexans, Aedes dorsalis, Culex quinquefasciatus. Culex tarsalis, and Culiseta inornata were used as indicator species for data analysis. Greater numbers of Ae. vexans, Ae. dorsalis, and Cs. inornata were collected from cattle and horses than from chickens or dogs. In addition, engorgement rates were higher on mammals than on chickens. Engorgement and attraction data for Cx. quinquefasciatus suggested a preference for chickens and dogs over cattle and horses. A slight preference for chickens and dogs was seen with Cx. tarsalis, but the degree of host preference of Cx. tarsalis was less than that in either Ae. vexans or Cx. quinquefasciatus.