title: Vertical Oviposition Preferences of the Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, In Temperate North America.
abstract: As a hyperaggressive mosquito that is also a public health threat, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), the Asian tiger mosquito, is a major priority for control efforts. We examine one aspect of Ae. albopictus biology: oviposition height. Field-based research in an urban habitat was conducted to determine if a height preference exists for this species. Larval and egg counts showed a significant preference for oviposition at ground level (0 m) compared to heights of 1, 2, 3, or 4 m (P < 0.01). An experiment conducted under semi-field conditions supported our conclusion of oviposition preference at ground level (P < 0.001), and further defines the search image needed by mosquito control personnel when dealing with this invasive species.
authors.affiliation: 1  New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Office of Mosquito Control Coordination, Trenton, NJ 08609.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Williges
authors.forename: Ary
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Faraji
authors.forename: Randy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gaugler
mesh_terms: D000330:Aedes / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D063147:Animal Distribution; D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D009515:New Jersey; D010058:Oviposition
keywords: Larval habitat; New Jersey; integrated mosquito management; oviposition; source reduction