Host preferences of ornithophilic biting midges of the genus Culicoides in the Eastern Balkans

• DOI: 10.1111/mve.12108
• Publication Date: 2015-02-16T07:18:46Z
• Authors: A. BOBEVA; P. ZEHTINDJIEV; M. ILIEVA; D. DIMITROV; A. MATHIS; S. BENSCH
• Keywords: Ceratopogonidae; Culicoides; Biting

Abstract Many biting midges of the genus Culicoides L atreille, 1809 ( D iptera: C eratopogonidae) are competent vectors a diverse number pathogens. The identification their feeding behaviour and vector–host associations is essential for understanding transmission capacity. By applying two different nested polymerase chain reaction PCR ) assays, which one targeted avian cyt b gene other COI wide range vertebrates, we identified blood hosts six midge species including circumscriptus , festivipennis punctatus pictipennis alazanicus cf. griseidorsum latter reported in B ulgaria first time. Bird DNA was found 50.6% 95 investigated bloodmeals, whereas mammalian 13.7%. Two were to feed on both birds mammals. There remarkable diversity hosts: 23 from four orders abdomens species. most common bird magpie, Pica pica n = 7), registered all ornithophilic Six bloodmeals great tit, Parus major recorded only C. . None studied appeared be restricted single host.