Williges, Eric Jason. Vertical oviposition preferences of the Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes Albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), in temperate North America. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3ZS2Z59
DescriptionAs a hyper-aggressive mosquito that is also a public health threat Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), 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) heights compared to heights of 1, 2, 3, or 4 m (P < 0.01). An experiment conducted under semi-field conditions further 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.