Bloodfeeding Patterns of Culex tarsalis Mosquitoes in San Joaquin

Poster Number

32

Lead Author Major

Biochemistry, Pre-Dentistry, and Biological Sciences

Format

Poster Presentation

Faculty Mentor Name

Tara Thiemann

Faculty Mentor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract/Artist Statement

The purpose of this research project was to determine the feeding patterns of Culex tarsalis in San Joaquin County, California. This species of mosquito is a primary vector for the transmission of West Nile virus, so determining the feeding patterns will provide information about the spread of the virus. Mosquitoes were collected from carbon dioxide and gravid traps placed across several habitats. After isolating the abdomen from the head and the thorax, the DNA was extracted from the bloodmeal. Host DNA from the barcoding region of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) was amplified using two rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). From 81 blood-fed mosquitoes, 31 different host species were identified. Bloodfeeding trends changed over time with host availability. Overall, Racoons, House Finches, Great Horned Owls, Cattle, and Barn Owls were common hosts of Cx. tarsalis.

Location

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom

Start Date

26-4-2014 2:00 PM

End Date

26-4-2014 4:00 PM

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Apr 26th, 2:00 PM Apr 26th, 4:00 PM

Bloodfeeding Patterns of Culex tarsalis Mosquitoes in San Joaquin

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom

The purpose of this research project was to determine the feeding patterns of Culex tarsalis in San Joaquin County, California. This species of mosquito is a primary vector for the transmission of West Nile virus, so determining the feeding patterns will provide information about the spread of the virus. Mosquitoes were collected from carbon dioxide and gravid traps placed across several habitats. After isolating the abdomen from the head and the thorax, the DNA was extracted from the bloodmeal. Host DNA from the barcoding region of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) was amplified using two rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). From 81 blood-fed mosquitoes, 31 different host species were identified. Bloodfeeding trends changed over time with host availability. Overall, Racoons, House Finches, Great Horned Owls, Cattle, and Barn Owls were common hosts of Cx. tarsalis.