How Mosquito Age and the Type and Color of Oviposition Sites Modify Skip-Oviposition Behavior in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)?

Abstract

To address how physiological age, container type and the number of substrates affect Aedes aegypti skip-oviposition behavior, we examined egg distribution by individual females across consecutive gonotrophic cycles. We found no support for the effect of age on egg distribution. However, the hypothesis that both the variety and color of the container would influence skip-oviposition behavior was confirmed. Skip-oviposition behavior remained unchanged throughout the female's life. The egg distribution pattern was characterized by a significantly higher oviposition rate in one site, with residual eggs distributed in groups of 1-30 eggs. Regardless type, most eggs were registered in dark containers. These data suggest that females contribute equally to population dynamics throughout their lifespan and illustrates the impact of color on egg dispersion. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.