Bionomics of livestock-associated Culicoides (biting midge) bluetongue virus vectors under laboratory conditions.

This research contributes to knowledge of the basic bionomic parameters of vector and non-vector Culicoides species. Field-collected gravid C. imicola and Obsoletus complex showed the longest lifespans in laboratory conditions. Culicoides paolae and C. circumscriptus seemed to be the most suitable species for laboratory rearing in view of their high oviposition rates, short lifecycles, long adult lifespans and female-biased sex ratios.