Mosquitoes at the Zoo_data.xlsx

Mosquitoes are known for their nuisance but also as important vectors of disease, not only for disease agents affecting humans but also animals. Zoological gardens are special places where humans and animals are found in close proximity, and where mosquitoes can also find conditions for their life cycle. This can be especially true for zoos located in urban areas. In this study, we characterized for the first time the mosquito fauna of the Lisbon Zoo, and we found a low mosquito density and diversity. We found an average of 2.4 mosquitos per trap/night and five different species were identified. The most common species was the northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens, with co-occurrence of the two biotypes and their hybrid. Mosquitoes were present year-round, with activity detected in winter months in which mosquitoes usually are diapausing. This co-occurrence and activity during winter can have implications in terms of disease transmission, namely flavivirus which can affect both animals and humans.