OBJECTIVE: To evaluate density, parity rates, daily survival and longevity of natural populations of Culex quinquefasciatus in three neighborhoods with distinct socio-economic and infrastructure profiles. METHODS: Mosquito collections of the Culex quinquefasciatus species were performed weekly during two four month periods, from August to November 2008 (spring) and March to June 2009 (fall), in a favela (slum), a suburban area and a middle class area of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. Collections were performed with backpack aspirators, in 20 randomly […]

OBJECTIVE: Analyse how basic sanitation conditions, water supply and housing conditions affect the concentration of Culex quinquefasciatus METHODS: Populations of C. quinquefasciatus in 61 houses in the municipality of Olinda, PE, were monitored between October 2009 and October 2010. Observations were carried out in homes without the presence of preferred breeding sites in order to identify characteristics that may be aggravating factors for the development of the mosquito. Five aggravating factors were analysed: vegetation cover surrounding the home, number of […]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of adult culicid populations in urban areas and measure the sensitivity of the resting box collection method. METHODS: Mosquito were collected in 1999 and 2000, in two cities in the State of São Paulo, Brazil: Ocauçu and Uchoa. In each city, 15 blocks were drawn by lots and then one home in each block was drawn. Two resting boxes were installed at each home: one inside and the other outside the house. Monthly collections were […]

With the use of New Jersey-50 light traps, a survey of Culex mosquitoes was made in the urban área of São Paulo City, Brazil. Beside Culex pipiens fatigans several other species were found, mainly represented by Culex chidesteri, C. dolosus and C. bidens. The combined incidence of these three populations follows nearly the fatigans one and frequently exceeding it. The most high levels of density were found at areas with water treatment but without sewage disposal. Domiciliary collections showed great […]

This paper presents the results of out door catches of Culicidae mosquitoes performed in the Ribeira Valley, State of S. Paulo, Brazil, where an outbreak of encephalits occurred in 1976 and 1977. These entomological investigations were made using several techniques for collecting mosquitoes, including human bait. Several places were chosen considering the environmental aspects related to human activities. In regions where high agricultural activities predominate and the primary forest was reduced to remaining spots, large numbers of Aedes serratus, Aedes […]

OBJECTIVE: To study the adult Culicidae fauna in a preserved area in urban outskirts for describing species of public health concern. METHODS: This study was developed in the Tietê Ecological Park located in the outskirt of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Monthly collections were undertaken in three habitats at different times using electric aspirators and CDC and Shannon traps from August 1996 to March 1998. Data analysis was based on estimates of frequencies and abundance. RESULTS: Twenty-five species or […]

Results obtained through domiciliary catches of Culicidade mosquitoes in the “Vale do Ribeira” S. Paulo, Brazil are given on a study of the mechanisms of local encephalitis transmission. The same orientation for extra-domiciliary observation was followed. Significant presence of Aedes scapularis and Culex (Melanoconion) sp. in indoor catches suggested their participation in domiciliary transmission. This pattern was more evident in the rural areas than the urban ones. Association of these findings to the occurrence of clinical cases of the disease […]

A new species from Southern Brazil, named Culex (Melanoconion) ribeirensis is described. The description includes adults, pupal and larval stages, illustrating the morphological aspects and a picture of a breeding place. Some data about known distribution and bionomics are presented.

With fortnightly rhythm, 25-hour catches of Culicidae mosquitoes were carried out, at ground level, with human bait, in a primitive rain forest in a highland relief area of the Ribeira Valley region, S. Paulo, Brazil. Besides this, regular simultaneous catches employing Shannon traps were made within and outside the forest environment. Results obtained are presented and discussed. An. cruzii proved a highly dominant species and An. bellator also showed ininterrupted daily activity, increasing at night. They showed too, a clear […]

New results on blood-meal identification and the environmental distribution of mosquitoes collected in four different Ribeira Valley (S. Paulo State, Brazil) environments, during the period February to November 1986, are presented. Sources of 651 blood-meals were identified. The preference of Ae. scapularis for large mammals, chiefly cattle, horse and even man, was confirmed. Data suggests that a similar behavioral pattern is presented by Cx. ribeirensis. Both mosquitoes seem to be strongly attracted by peridomiciliar blood sources represented by domestic animals […]