Studies on the post-oviposition blood-feeding behaviour of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) in the laboratory

Abstract

The blood-feeding behaviour of the Trinidad strain of Aedes aegypti was studied, under laboratory conditions, using one female per cage and monitoring blood feeding immediately, 12, and 24 hours after oviposition. To get large numbers of females that had newly completed their first gonotrophic cycle, the diel oviposition periodicity was conducted using single females per cage and monitoring at 2-hour intervals. The diel oviposition periodicity showed a small morning peak (8%) during the first 2 hours of the photophase after which oviposition declined: during the second half of the photophase, oviposition increased reaching a peak comprising 56% of eggs (G = 59·9, P>0·01) between 16:00 and 18:00 hours. At post-oviposition hour 0, only five (10%) of the females accepted a blood meal but at post-oviposition hour 12, significantly more (G = 46·98, P>0·02) females, 35 (70%) accepted a blood meal. This pattern was consistently observed when females were offered blood meals at 12 and 24 hours after completing their first gonotrophic cycle. Multiple feeding was observed among the blood-feeding females and the results of this study are discussed in the context of disease transmission patterns and physiological mechanisms which control their blood-feeding behaviours.

Keywords:

• Blood-feeding
• Oviposition
• Gonotrophic cycle
• Aedes aegypti
• Laboratory study

This study is dedicated to the memory of Professor Philip S. Corbet, University of Edinburgh, a mentor and friend who collaborated with me on the oviposition behaviour of mosquitoes for the last 25 years. I also thank Dr Joan M. Sutherland from the University of Dundee for assistance and for reviewing the manuscript. This study was supported by funds from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago Research Development Fund FSA-6.