Oviposition in Culicoides impunctatusunder laboratory conditions

We present a laboratory‐based examination of oviposition preference in the Scottish biting midge, Culicoides impunctatus(Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). A variety of oviposition substrates were screened in no‐choice and choice bioassays for efficacy in eliciting an egg‐laying response. Both upper‐layer photosynthetic Sphagnumspp. moss and Juncus articulatusinfusions were identified as producing increased oviposition under no‐choice conditions. During choice trials against a control of damp cottonwool, upper‐layer Sphagnumspp. moss produced a significantly greater egg‐laying response. These conclusions are interpreted in terms of possible cues involved in oviposition site selection and assessed for future use in colonisation of this troublesome species.