Title
Determining Culex annulirostris larval densities and control efforts across a costal wetland, Northern Territory, Australia
Series
Journal of Vector Ecology;Vol. 41, No. 2
Author(s)
Nina Kurucz
Susan Jacups
Jane M. Carter
Contributor
Journal of the Society for Vector Control
Abstract
The Darwin coastal wetlands provide suitable breeding conditions for Culex annulirostris, which are abundant between December and August each year. This species is the principal vector for arboviruses including Ross River virus and Murray Valley encephalitis, and is an appreciable pest species. Aerial control is conducted when routine larval surveys for this species predict high numbers of emergent adults. We sought to determine the most productive vegetation categories and seasonal aspects associated with Cx. annulirostris breeding and control operations in these wetlands. By applying a generalised linear model to compare larval densities and aerial control efforts for each vegetation category, we found that Schoenoplectus reeds were the most productive vegetation type in May and June, and were associated with the greatest amount of control required. Other vegetation categories associated with tidal mangroves and lower topographic elevation were also productive during these months but for extended periods, while rain-affected reticulate areas and grassland floodplains were most productive in January and April. In addition, areas associated with nutrient rich organic matter appeared to initiate Cx. annulirostris breeding and were highly productive. This study has highlighted the vegetation categories most significantly associated with Cx. annulirostris breeding in a Darwin wetland. This knowledge can be applied to current control efforts to improve aerial control efficiency for this species, and could be applicable in other areas of northern Australia.
Publisher
Medical Entomology, DoH
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Description
link to Journal of Vector Ecology
Size
18.15 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):8234bf20f965c1fd3d078f8108767ff4
Date Issued
2016-12
Type
Journal Article
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