Seasonal Changes in an Isolated Population of Culex Pipiens Quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae): a Time Series Analysis

A time series analysis of data collected from an isolated population of Culex pipiens quinquefasciaitus is presented. Sinusoidal curves for a period of 1 year were fitted to egg raft numbers, numbers of eggs per raft, numbers of hatched eggs per raft, immature stages and adults. Circannual rhythms for both daily high and low temperatures were detected. Seasonal changes in the time distribution of oviposition are presented. During warm weather, oviposition peaks occur just after sunset and again near dawn. This pattern changes in cold weather with the elimination of morning oviposition. The relationship of feeding and subsequent oviposition is discussed. Evidence is presented that indicates that temperature dependence is present throughout all stages of this moquito's life history.