Host preferences of Aedes trivittatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in central Iowa.

The vertebrate host preferences of Aedes trivittatus mosquitoes were studied to gain an insight into the possible hosts of trivittatus (TVT) virus (California encephalitis group) in Iowa. Engorged mosquitoes were collected with a Malaise trap and Dry Ice-baited CDC miniature light traps. The origin of mosquito blood meals was determined by the capillary tube precipitin test. Of 600 A. trivittatus blood meals tested, 409 (68.2%) reacted positively with anti-rabbit serum. The incidences of mosquitoes feeding on other vertebrate species ranged from 0.2% to 2.5%. The vertebrate host preferences of A. trivittatus suggest a close association between this mosquito species and the eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) in central Iowa. Furthermore, the results indicate that the eastern cottontail rabbit may be an important host for TVT virus in Iowa.