Journal of Medical Entomology (1992) 29, 501-506

Jerome Goddard (1992)
Ecological studies of adult Ixodes scapularis in central Mississippi: Questing activity in relation to time of year, vegetation type, and meteorologic conditions
Journal of Medical Entomology 29 (3), 501-506
Abstract: Adult Ixodes scapularis Say were collected weekly during two fall-winter-spring seasons from 1989 to 1991 to assess their temporal and spatial distribution as well as the effects of several meteorologic parameters on questing activity. Collections were made in three 0.4-ha sites in central Mississippi by flagging vegetation with a white flannel cloth. Adult I. scapularis were collected from 25 October through 11 April during the 1989-1990 season and 24 October-1 April in the 1990-1991 season. Peak I. scapularis questing activity occurred on 5 February and 4 February during the two seasons, respectively. Ticks were collected most often at ~20°C but seven were collected on a day when the temperature was 6.9°C. Ticks were clustered within the study sites and not evenly distributed. Most I. scapularis were collected from Ligustrum sinense and Chasmanthium sessiliflorum at a height of 31-40 cm. Statistical analyses of the meteorologic factors that affect questing activity are presented and discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Jerome Goddard

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ixodes scapularis		U.S.A. (mid S)