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Influence of the lunar cycle on the flight activity of Coquillettidia (Rhynchotaenia) venezuelensis (Theobald) (Diptera, Culicidae) in the Atlantic Forest, Marumbi Mountain, Morretes, Paraná State, Brazil

From October 1995 to January 1996 a survey of the culicid species mentioned above was carried out in a restrict Atlantic Forest area, located in the Marumbi mountain (approximately 6,5 km from the town of Morretes). Shannon light trap was used during 48 nights, in the four lunar phases: full moon, first quarter, new moon and last quarter between evening and morning twilights. A total of 594 Coquillettidia (Rhynchotaenia) venezuelensis (Theobald, 1912) specimens were collected and the different night flight activity in the four moon phases was observed. Regarding the hourly activity, the peak higher numbers of Coquillettidia venezuelensis were collected in the first three hours. Concerning the environmental factors, temperature was found to be the more relevant one for the flight activity of Coquillettidia venezuelensis.

Culicidae; Coquillettidia venezuelensis; fly activity; four moon phases


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