Breeding habits of vector mosquitoes of filariasis and dengue fever in Western Samoa

Abstract

Extensive surveys were undertaken in Western Samoa during the period 1969 to 1971 on breeding habits of the confirmed and suspected vectors of subperiodic Wuchereria banorofti and of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti, the vector of dengue fever. Ae. (S.) aegypti breeds predominantly in artificial water containers around houses. A negligible number was found breeding in tree holes. This mosquito occurs throughout the country, even in the remote and inland areas. Ae. (S.) polynesiensis breeds in a wide range of both artificial and natural containers, but seems to prefer the latter, and is the only species breeding in crab holes. Since the above two species are often found breeding together, the single-larva-per-container survey method tends to underestimate the population of either one. Ae. (S.) upolensis is a forest mosquito, and its larvae were collected only once in a tree hole. The only species found breeding in the leaf axils of Freycinetia is Ae. (Finlaya) samoanus; and in taro (Colocasia sp.) and pineapples, Ae. (F.) oceanicus. Both species can also breed in the Pandanus axils. This plant serves the only breeding habitat for Ae. (F.) tutuilae.