Abstract
Highly sensitive Infra-red video recording equipment was used to observe and record marker swarming behavior of natural populations of Psorophora columbiae (Dyar and Knab) in the field. Swarming was a predominantly male behavior. Swarming behavior was limited to certain locations, usually above objects which contrasted with the background. Swarming begins at specific times at dusk and dawn depending on the illumination levels and thus the sun angle at the sites of swarming. Swarming of Ps. columbiae males usually began approximately 40 m after sunset and the swarming behavior of this species is similar in many respects to that of Aedes sollicitans and other mosquito species. Psorophora columbiae swarming behavior was preceded by a mass ascension of mosquitoes from their pre-swarm resting places in vegetation. Male Ps. columbiae in marker swarms were sensitive to sounds of 200 to 500 Hz. Mating was not definitively observed in a swarm; however, it is likely that mating occurs near the sites of swarms and close to the time of swarming. Beetles as well as other mosquito species were associated with Ps. columbiae swarms. A technique developed by Schlein and Gratz (1972) to determine the ages of Anopheles mosquitoes was not accurate for Ps. columbiae. A remote-piloted flying sampler vehicle successfully captured flying mosquitoes and chironomids. A model for prediction of the initiation of swarming behavior by Ps. columbiae males in East Texas ricelands was developed. Prediction of mosquito swarms can be used as part of an integrated pest control strategy.
Peloquin, John Josep (1984). Swarming behavior of Psorophora columbiae (Dyar and Knab) in East Texas ricelands. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -438542.