Systematic collections of anophelines were conducted from November 1994 to
August 1995 from 18:00 to 20:00 hr using Shannon traps and human-bait along
the lake margin which forms the Itaipu Hydroelectric reservoir, State of
Parana, Brazil. Species prevalence was studied at 15 min intervals.
Anopheles albitarsis sensu latu and An. galvaoi, were the most frequently
collected mosquitoes. All Anopheles species populations peaked between
18:45 and 19:30 hr. The observations illustrate the existence of a
haematophagic activity cycle during the early evening hours: exogenous
stimulus (the beginning of sunset) --} Shannon trap (light attraction) --}
human bait (haematophagy) --} rest and digestion --} exogenous stimulus --}
Shannon trap or surrounding vegetation. The greater abundance of An.
albitarsis collected in human-bait and Shannon trap suggests it may be a
potential malaria vector in the region.
