Trophic behavior and biting activity of the two sibling species of the Anopheles minimus complex in western Thailand.

The trophic behavior and host preference of two sibling species, Anopheles minimus s.s. (= An. minimus species A) and species C, were observed during a two-year period at Pu Teuy Village, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand. Anopheles minimus s.s. and species C were more prevalent during the hot and wet periods of the year. Both species demonstrated exophagic and zoophilic activities. Feeding activity of An. minimus C was unique compared to An. minimus sensu lato from other localities in Thailand. Outdoor blood feeding by An. minimus C occurred throughout the night with one distinct feeding peak immediately after sunset (1800 h), whereas indoor feeding showed two small peaks at 2000 and 2400 h. The small number of An. minimus s.s collected during this study precluded a determination of peak activity patterns. A better understanding of mosquito behavior related to host and patterns of feeding activity will facilitate and improve the efficiency of vector control operations.