Is NDVI a predictor of C. tarsalis in Eastern Montana

Abstract

Culex Tarsalis, is a Mosquito species found throughout the Continental United States. With the outbreak of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the United States in the early 90’s, Tarsalis is the largest vector of WNV in Montana Tarsalis is mostly found in the Eastern portion of Montana and in the Mountain Valleys in Western Montana. This is due to a thought that Tarsalis does not like a lot of vegetation, specifically trees. Subsequently, a survey of using current Tarsalis data, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) should allow a model to be made in Eastern Montana possible With collaboration with faculty of Carroll College, Patrick Oster will use NDVI and other methods to create a dynamic model of Tarsalis spread.