Survivorship and gonotrophic cycle length of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) near Sheridan, Placer County, California.

A population of adult Culex tarsalis Coquillett was sampled daily from 9 through 26 July 1985. Data on the abundance, trophic status, and parity were recorded. Abundance and parity data were analyzed by a time series method to estimate daily survivorship and the length of the gonotrophic cycle. Daily survivorship of blood-fed females was estimated to be 0.84 with a gonotrophic cycle length of 5 d. Daily survivorship for unfed females was estimated to be 0.86 with a gonotrophic cycle length of 7 d. The 2-d difference in gonotrophic cycle lengths was interpreted as the duration of the teneral period during which newly emerged females underwent maturation and mating before seeking hosts.