Larval habitat characterization for Aedes triseriatus (Say), the mosquito vector of LaCrosse encephalitis in West Virginia.

OBJECTIVE: The principal aim of this investigation was to provide quantitative information on the frequency of occurrence for Aedes triseriatus (Say) larvae in West Virginia at 3 broad elevation categories, in different months of the year, and in specific types of larval habitats. METHODS: Larvae were collected in 54 West Virginia counties over a 6-year period, and their occurrence was recorded for defined habitat categories. RESULTS: Aedes triseriatus larvae were collected at 206 of the 587 sites examined and in 48 of the 54 West Virginia counties sampled. CONCLUSION: Aedes triseriatus larvae are distributed equally across all elevation categories from March through October and are predisposed to shaded habitats.