Features of Parasitization of Mosquitoes of the Species Culex Pipiens Culex Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera, Culicidae) in the Kaluga Region

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to study and systematize data on the biological, fauna-ecological characteristics of mosquitoes Culex pipiens Culex Linnaeus species in the Kaluga Region.

Materials and methods. To clarify the fauna and ecological characteristics of mosquitoes Culex pipiens Culex Linnaeus species in the Kaluga Region, we caught adults, larvae and pupae of mosquitoes in the basements of the city of Kaluga, on the control day of mosquitoes, in the natural land biotopes of the Kaluga region. The larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes were observed on natural and artificial reservoirs of the city and region, in puddles, trenches. Mosquitoes were caught during an attack on a person or animal with an entomological net and placed in a specially prepared cage. Larvae and pupae were collected at breeding sites (from aquatic plants, in the water column). The study of the biotopic distribution and daily activity was carried out using the method of accounting for the number of insects attacking the human forearm for 20 minutes in the period from 20:00–24:00 h.

Results and discussion. Two forms of mosquitoes Culex pipiens Culex Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera, Culicidae) are found in the Kaluga Region: Cx. pipiens f. pipiens L. (non-autogenous form) and Cx. p. f. molestus fors. (autogenous form). Form Cx. pipiens f. pipiens L. is very aggressive, lives in urban and agricultural areas. Cx p. f. molestus fors. is an urbanized form; prefers to live and develop in urban environments. A feature is also the possibility of the first laying of eggs without bloodsucking, and the larvae can develop without sunlight. In late August, female C. pipiens mosquitoes can enter diapause before spring. A temperature below 4°C and above 35°C is critical for the development of larvae. In a year, 3–4 mosquito generations develop in the Kaluga Region.