The Center for Vector Biology is leading an ambitious project aimed at suppressing Asian tiger mosquitoes in urban areas. It is also constructing a risk assessment model to forecast West Nile Virus activity in New Jersey. This study will document the relationship of temperature, rainfall, number of positive arbovirus isolations, and other factors to the risk of an epidemic in humans. In addition, the Center is compiling a guide to the identification, distribution, and life histories of New Jersey mosquitoes. This guide will be particularly useful for county mosquito control personnel. Additional Initiatives at the Center include investigating the possibility of using house sparrows as sentinels for West Nile Virus activity; the resistance of mosquitoes to formerly reliable insecticides; the life history and vector competence of sand flies for leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease; the life history and mangement of nuisance black flies; and biological control