Elevational distribution of mosquitoes in a mountainous area of southeastern Wyoming.

During the summer of 1984, mosquito sampling with CDC miniature light traps and standard mosquito dippers was used to investigate the elevational distribution of different species of mosquitoes. Of 27 species found in significant numbers in the study area in southeastern Wyoming, 8 were found primarily in the lower elevations (2,134 and 2,591 m). Nine additional species were found in both the middle and lower elevations (2,134-3,048 m), whereas 8 occurred only in the middle areas (2,592-3,048 m). A single species (Aedes punctor) was found in both the middle and upper elevations (2,439-3,292 m), and yet another species (Aedes impiger) was found primarily in the upper (alpine) area, from 3,049, to 3,292 m. There is some evidence to indicate that restriction in elevational distribution is a result of habitat specificity.