Ectoparasites VII: Diptera II Flashcards
What are the families of Nematocera?
Culicidae (mosquitoes)
Ceratopogonidae (biting midges)
Simuliidae (black flies)
Psychodidae (sand flies)
Describe nematocera
Delicate flies Segmented antennae Semi-aquatic to aquatic breeding sites Only adult females are blood-feeders Males live on nectar
What is the veterinary importance of Nematocera?
Their important mainly as vectors
What is the antennae on Cilicidae (mosquitoes) like?
Long
Where do Culicidae (mosquitoes) lay eggs?
On soil or water
Describe the stages of Culicidae (mosquitoes) life cycle
Larval instars (4) Pupae require water
For the Culicidae that are parasitic, how often do females feed?
Every few days
What is the veterinary direct disease importance of Culicidae?
Nuisance, allergies
Blood loss
What is the veterinary indirect disease importance of Culicidae?
Vectors
Nematodes, protozoans, viruses
What do Culicidae feed on?
1/2 species feed mostly on mammals
1/3 species feed mostly on birds
Some feed on mostly reptiles and amphibians
What is the role of Culicidae in the ecosystem?
Serve as food for fish, tadpoles, bats, etc
Adults contribute to pollination
How long does the Culicidae life cycle take to complete?
As little as 4 days to more than 1 month
Describe the Culicidae life cycle
Adult emerges from pupa, dries, and flies off
Non-feeding pupa also uses siphon to take in air
Larvae usually have a siphon at water surface to take in air
Eggs are laid in an area that will become wet, or on or above existing water surface
What are Culicidae standing water breeders?
Eggs need water
Anopheles (common malaria mosquito)
Culex (southern house mosquito)
What are Culicidae flood water breeders?
Eggs in moist soil or artifical containers
Hatch with rain or flood
Aedes (inland floodwater mosquito, eastern salmarsh mosquito)
What are the Culicidae subfamilies and genera?
Anophelinae: Anopheles
Culicinae: Aedes, Culex
Describe Anopheles
Air tube absent
Rests parallel to water surface
Describe Aedes and Culex
Short air tube: air tube present, rests at angle below water surface
Slender air tube: air tube present, rests at angle below water surface
Describe Anopheles quadrimaculatus
Most common anopheline in eastern US
Feed mainly in big mammals
Vector for agents of malaria and heartworm
What Culicidae are important for heartworms?
Culex quinquefaciatus
Aedes vexans
How are Culicidae managed?
Integrate pest management:
Biological- larvicides
Mechanical- drain swamps, clean ditches, bed nets
Chemical- larvicides, adulticides, repellants
What is the genera of Ceratopogonidae (biting midges)?
Culicoides
Where is Culicoides spp. found?
Near fresh or salt water
Where do Culicodes spp. lay eggs?
On moist surface or in water
