Soil moisture conditions that are most attractive to ovipositing females of Psorophora columbiae in Texas ricelands.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

1977

Original Publication

Mosquito News

Volume

37

Series / Issue

Issue: 1

Pages

019-026

Contributed by

American Mosquito Control Association

Notes

Author(s) - Olson, J. K. and C. L. Meek.

 

Abstract

Moisture content of soil appears to be one of the more important factors that determine whether or not, and to what extent, Psorophora columbiae (Dyar and Knab) females will use a particular site for oviposition in Texas ricelands. Gravid females of this species exposed to various levee situations in the laboratory deposited the great majority of their eggs on soil that was relatively muddy (i.e., on soil whose moisture content ranged between 75% field capacity to just above field capacity). Conditions observed at field sites in Brazoria County, Texas tend to support laboratory findings.

Notes

Author(s) - Olson, J. K. and C. L. Meek.