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The Medical Entomology Program at the Illinois Natural History Survey was mandated by the Illinois Waste Tire Act to carry out original research on the biology and control of mosquitoes found primarily in tire casings and associated artificial containers throughout Illinois. The broad objectives of this research program are to 1) study the biology of container-inhabiting mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit, 2) develop and help implement effective and safe mosquito and mosquito-borne disease management practices, 3) investigate and provide current and pertinent biological information on the environmental impact of exotic and local mosquito species, and 4) assist in the development of educational materials and training programs for state, county, and municipal agencies and the general public.

The invasion and rapid establishment of Aedes albopictus(the Asian tiger mosquito) in used tires and other water-holding containers, coupled with the impending movement of West Nile Virus (WNV) and the re-emergence of St. Louis Encephalitis virus in Illinois, remain the major topics of research for the program. Because the Mississippi River basin is a popular flyway for migratory birds, Illinois is at risk for the introduction of WNV. The principal mosquito vector, Culex pipiens, is indigenous to the state as are 9 of the 11 WNV-vectoring mosquito species (7 species are found in used tires).

Research on mosquitoes and other arthropods found in Illinois can be placed into two primary categories, public and environmental health. Our investigations provide the technical means to address important questions for the state in order to reduce the risks associated with mosquitoes and mosquito-borne pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. By using the ecological information from our research and by employing the technological tools we have developed, we can address fundamental questions on the nature of mosquito-borne diseases in order to develop environmentally safe management practices.

MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY PROJECTS

Population dynamics of vector mosquitoes in Illinois
R. Lampman, R. Novak, N. Krasavin

Molecular identification and function of endosymbionts in vector mosquitoes
R. Novak, L. Kent (UIUC)

Exotic mosquitoes and associated pathogens in Illinois
R. Novak

Succession of mosquito species in a reclaimed wetland--Spunky Bottoms
R. Novak

Chemical ecology and toxicology of mosquitoes
R. Lampman, R. Novak

Dog heartworm in native foxes
R. Novak, J. Chestnut (UIUC), R. Warner (UIUC)

Applied ecology in the management of encephalitis in urban habitats
R. Novak, L. Kent (UIUC)

Evaluation of novel mosquito repellents
R. Novak, R. Lampman

St. Louis encephalitis virus surveillance and ecology
N. Krasavin, R. Novak

An integrated approach to managing malaria in Africa
R. Novak

West Nile Virus: potential host and vector interactions in Illinois
R. Novak, R. Lampman, J. Levengood, N. Krasavin

Training students in molecular techniques for Arbovirus detection
N. Krasavin, R. Novak

MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY SELECT PUBLICATIONS

Dennett, J.A., R.L. Lampman, R.J. Novak, and M.V. Meisch. 2000. Evaluation of methylated soy oil and water-based formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis and Golden Bear Oil (R) (GB-1111) against Anopheles quadrimaculatus larvae in small rice plots. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 16(4):342-345.

Jensen, T., R. Lampman, M. Slamecka, and R. Novak. 2000. Field efficacy of commercial antimosquito products in Illinois. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 16(2):148-152.