Seasonal Abundance of Potential Malaria Vectors in the Torres Strait, 1985–861

To determine the potential malaria vectors and their seasonal abundance in the Torres Strait, EVS carbon dioxide baited light traps were placed on the major populated islands and operated weekly. Anopheles farauti Laveran s.l. was abundant on Boigu Island from April to late June and on Saibai Island from January to August. An hilli Woodhill and Lee was abundant on Boigu and Horn Islands from April to late June. An. farauti s.l. was also trapped on Horn, Yam and Yorke Islands, and An hilli on Saibai, Thursday and Yam Islands. An. amictus Edwards, An annulipes Walker s.l., An bancroftii Giles, An meraukensis Venhuis and An novaguinensis Venhuis were also recorded on various islands. The contrasting ecological characteristics of the islands were reflected in collections and it is suggested mosquito control strategies be tailored accordingly.