Biting and landing rate counts on humans are not useful for assessing which blood-feeding adult population?

The correct answer revolves around the specific behavior and habitat preferences of the mosquito species in question. Culex p. quinquefasciatus, also known as the southern house mosquito, is typically more associated with breeding in artificial containers and areas with stagnant water that are often not in close proximity to human habitation.

In contrast, Aedes aegypti is a mosquito known for its close association with human dwellings and activities, making biting and landing rate counts on humans a reliable indicator of its population. Similarly, Aedes sollicitans is a species that prominently feeds on humans, particularly in coastal regions.

When assessing populations of Culex p. quinquefasciatus, the reliance on human biting and landing rates is less effective due to its preferred breeding habitats and behaviors that do not always correlate with human presence. Thus, this makes specific counts on humans not very useful for evaluating the population dynamics of this species. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecology and feeding habits of different mosquito species when employing various surveillance and control methods.