Seasonal incidence and diel patterns of oviposition in the field of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera:Culicidae) in Trinidad, West Indies: a preliminary study

Abstract

Diel patterns of oviposition of domestic Aedes aegypti in the field in Trinidad, West Indies were monitored weekly for one year using standard ovitraps.

During the wet season (May to November) a large, well defined peak of oviposition (comprising more than 80% of eggs laid) occurred one to two hours before sunset, and a much smaller peak (about 5% of eggs laid) occurred one to two hours after sunrise. During the dry season (December to May) a broad, poorly defined peak (about 36% of eggs laid) fell two to four hours before sunset. During both seasons some oviposition occurred throughout the daytime between about one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset.

During wet and dry seasons the number of ovitraps receiving eggs was similar (6% to 7%), but in the wet season oviposition occurred in fewer ovitraps and more eggs were laid on each occasion.