Is the New Jersey light trap a useful method for surveying both adult and larval mosquitoes?

The New Jersey light trap is specifically designed to capture adult mosquitoes, making it an effective tool for surveying their populations. Light traps attract flying insects, including adult mosquitoes, using light as an attractant. However, this method is not suitable for surveying larval mosquitoes, which inhabit standing water and are not attracted to light in the same way.

The distinction is important because larval surveys require different methodologies, such as dip sampling in water bodies, where larvae are present. Consequently, using a light trap would not yield accurate data on larval populations. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the New Jersey light trap is crucial for effective mosquito management and population monitoring.