Population dynamics and spatial distribution of mosquitoes in northern New Zealand

What is it about?

Six mosquito species were detected around the Kaipara Harbour: four native and two introduced. The most common was a native species called Coquillettidia iracunda. The two introduced species, Aedes notoscriptus (ankle biting mosquito) and Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito) were widely distributed, but each comprised less than 1% of the total catch. Aedes antipodeus was most abundant in spring, Aedes notoscriptus and Coquillettidia iracunda were most abundant in summer and Culex quinquefasciatus was most abundant in autumn. Culiseta tonnoiri and Culex pervigilans were of variable abundance throughout the year. For all species, temperature (in the preceding weeks) was a better predictor of fluctuations of adult abundance, than was rainfall.

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Why is it important?

Increased knowledge of the factors driving patterns of spatial and temporal abundance will allow an improved understanding of how non-native species may integrate themselves into resident mosquito communities.

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