Abstract
We present a laboratory-based examination of oviposition preference in the Scottish biting midge, Culicoides impunctatus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). A variety of oviposition substrates were screened in no-choice and choice bioassays for efficacy in eliciting an egg-laying response. Both upper-layer photosynthetic Sphagnum spp. moss and Juncus articulatus infusions were identified as producing increased oviposition under no-choice conditions. During choice trials against a control of damp cottonwool, upper-layer Sphagnum spp. moss produced a significantly greater egg-laying response. These conclusions are interpreted in terms of possible cues involved in oviposition site selection and assessed for future use in colonisation of this troublesome species.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 123-129 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata |
Volume | 101 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Keywords
- Culicoides impunctatus
- oviposition
- colonisation
- site selection
- CULEX-QUINQUEFASCIATUS
- GRASS INFUSIONS
- DIPTERA
- ATTRACTANTS
- CUES
- CERATOPOGONIDAE
- IDENTIFICATION
- NUBECULOSUS
- CULICIDAE
- RESPONSES