Vertical And Horizontal Distribution Of Culex Pipiens Complex Mosquitoes Compared With Aedes Albopictus In An Inland Climate Mountain Area, Japan

Yamanashi Prefecture, an inland climate mountain area of Japan, extends widely north and south, with altitude that varies greatly by location. Mosquitoes transmitting infectious disease have a diversity of habitats in Yamanashi, and many species can be expected there. However, there have been few reports about mosquito fauna; in particular, little information is available on mosquitoes such as Culex pipiens pallens, C. pipiens form molestus, and Aedes albopictus. In this study, we investigated the mosquito fauna to clarify their vertical and horizontal distribution patterns, focusing especially on Culex pipiens complex, i.e., C. pipiens pallens and C. pipiens form molestus, compared with Aedes albopictus in 7 areas from August to September in 2015 and 2016. We set up CDC traps in several temple and shrine precincts in each area. Although C. pipiens complex was not captured in the Minobu Area, it was captured in the other 6 areas. C. pipiens complex was collected at 851 m asl. which was the maximum altitude, while Ae. albopictus was collected at a maximum altitude of 799 m asl. That means habitat of C. pipiens complex was distributed more widely than that of Ae. albopictus. The mean air temperature of the site at 799 m was estimated to be 10.07 degrees Celsius and that of the site at 851 m was estimated to be 9.67°C. There was an altitude differences of 52 m in vertical distribution between the two species, with a difference in annual mean air temperature of 0.4°C.