Aquatic Choice of Female Mosquitoes (Aedes and Culex spp.) for Egg-Laying Preferences Under Field Conditions

In this study, oviposition preferences of the Aedes aegypti and Culex spp. on four different water surfaces, trees hole debris, dry leaves, husk, and plain water were observed under natural field conditions.Plastic containers (5L) were used to test the preference of oviposition of the A. aegypti and Culex spp. on the above four water surfaces.Findings indicated that containers that had organic substrates and especially Tree Hole Debris and Dry Leaves, recorded higher oviposition levels than Plain Water. A. aegypti were found to be more attracted to darker and nutrient-rich substrates and Culex spp. was found to be more tolerant to treatments.Weekly oviposition were also affected by environmental changes like temperature, humidity, among others.On the whole, the results demonstrate the role of organic matter in the development of mosquitoes' breeding behavior, which can be useful in the development of specific control measures against the vectors.