The Impact of Hurricane Irma on Population Density of the Black Salt-Marsh Mosquito, Aedes taeniorhynchus, in Collier County, Florida

• DOI: 10.2987/18-6793.1
• Publication Date: 2019-03-29T18:35:03Z
• Authors: Keira J. Lucas; Alexandria Watkins; Nate Phillips; D. John Appazato; Patrick Linn
• Keywords: Salt marsh; Population density; Landfall

In 2017, the southeastern USA and Caribbean endured an extremely active year for tropical storm hurricane activity. On September 10, Hurricane Irma made a 2nd landfall in Florida, striking Collier County-including Naples Marco Island, FL. Areas affected by are abundant salt-marsh mangrove swamps, prime habitats black mosquito, Aedes taeniorhynchus. Using both human landing rate Biogents BG-Counter trap data, here we report year-to-year fluctuations population density of Ae. County experienced explosion taeniorhynchus, with daily rates reaching as high 150 adult females/2-min period. The following dramatic crash taeniorhynchus was observed, representing some lowest numbers ever recorded County. Analysis data major strikes, including (2017) Wilma (2005), have revealed severe reductions populations. Because accounts large majority adulticiding missions state enhanced understanding factors contributing to dynamics may allow improved operational planning decision-making.