Larval mosquito habitat utilization and community dynamics of Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae).
Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Ae. japonicus (Theobald) are important container-inhabiting mosquitoes that transmit disease agents, outcompete native species, and continue to expand their range in the United States. Both species deposit eggs in natural and artificial containers and thrive in peridomestic environments. The goal of our study was to examine the types and characteristics of containers that are most productive for these species in the northeastern United States. In total, 306 containers were sampled in urban, suburban, and rural areas of New Jersey. Multiple biotic and abiotic factors were recorded in an attempt to identify variables associated with the productivity of each species. Based on pupal abundance and density of container types, results showed that tires, trash cans, and planter dishes were the most important containers for Ae. albopictus, while planter dishes were the most important containers for Ae. japonicus. Container color (black and gray), material (rubber), and type (tires) were correlated with species presence for Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus. These factors may play a role in the selection of oviposition sites by female mosquitoes or in the survival of their progeny. Differences in species composition and abundance were detected between areas classified as urban, suburban, and rural. In urban and suburban areas, Ae. albopictus was more abundant in container habitats than Ae. japonicus; however, Ae. japonicus was more abundant in rural areas, and when water temperatures were below 14 degrees C. Our results suggest many variables can influence the presence of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus in container habitats in northeastern United States.
Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. krisb@rci.rutgers.edu
Kristen
K
Bartlett-Healy
Isik
I
Unlu
Peter
P
Obenauer
Tony
T
Hughes
Sean
S
Healy
Taryn
T
Crepeau
Ary
A
Farajollahi
Banu
B
Kesavaraju
Dina
D
Fonseca
George
G
Schoeler
Randy
R
Gaugler
Daniel
D
Strickman
D000330:Aedes / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing; D058865:Introduced Species; D007814:Larva; D016015:Logistic Models; D009515:New Jersey; D010058:Oviposition; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011679:Pupa