The Zoogeography of Mosquitoes in Saskatchewan and the Adjacent Northwest Territories

• Main Author: Curry, Philip Stephen
• Other Authors: Archibold, O.W.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: University of Saskatchewan 1979
• Subjects: Northwest Territories; Keewatin; Tundra
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10388/5933

In 1974 and 1975, mosquitoes were collected from eight locations considered representative of three distinct ecological zones in Saskatchewan and Keewatin District, N.W. T. - the grasslands, the boreal forest, and the tundra. The geographic and seasonal distribution of mosquitoes and their habitats are described and notes are given on the 35 species. The environmental conditions that determined species distribution are also discussed and it is suggested that the rate of snowmelt in the spring and the amount of snow or rain determines the date and extent of egg hatching. The temperature of the water and air determines the rate of development of the eggs, larvae and pupae, the rate of ovarian development in the adult females and the general level of activity in adults. Distribution does not appear to be affected by water quality or the presence of parasites and predators. From this information it was possible to forecast mosquito distribution and abundance, especially on a local scale.