Sample A: Cover Page of Thesis, Project, or Dissertation Proposal

seaboard of the United States where salt marshes are prevalent, and may be an important
vector of both Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE)
(Turell et al. 2005).
Ae. taeniorhynchus was included in this study based on its local abundance and
vector competence (Gargan et al. 1988, Hoch et al. 1985). In addition, it is a severe biter of
humans and livestock along the eastern seaboard of the United States where it breeds in salt
marshes. Ae. taeniorhynchus mosquitoes are efficient vectors of VEE (Turell et al. 2005).
Ae. triseriatus is a potential bridge vector of West Nile virus (WNV) and is the
primary vector of La Crosse encephalitis (LAC) in southwest Virginia. It is common near
areas of human habitation where it feeds on a variety of mammals and breeds in man-made
containers and treeholes (Paulson 2006). The species is included in this study because it has
been found to transmit RVF virus in laboratory studies (Gargan et al. 1988).
Ae. vexans is an opportunistic feeder, willing to utilize a wide variety of hosts
including humans, sheep, and horses (Traore-Lamizana 1997). It breeds in many different
kinds of habitats including temporary and semi-permanent ground pools, floodplains, ditches,
and grassy rain pools (Paulson 2006). Ae. vexans is one of the most common floodwater
mosquito species found anywhere in VA. It has the most cosmopolitan geographic
distribution in Virginia, has multiple generations, and is active from April to October
(Gaines, pers. comm.). Its inclusion in this study is based on its local abundance, vector
competence, aggressive mammalian biting behavior, and infection with RVF in natural
outbreaks (Fontenille et al. 1998).
Culex (Cx.) pipiens and Cx. restuans are common in urban, suburban, and rural
locations and breed in a wide variety of habitats including catch basins, ground pools,
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