Interspecific Interactions Between Adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2016

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

Single and mixed species densities of adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus were manipulated to determine if different combinations affected their egg laying preference or mortality rates. Oviposition was measured in environments that contained containers of different surface areas (small cups vs. larger bowls), and the number of eggs ( Aedes ) and egg rafts or larvae ( Culex ) deposited by each species was examined with respect to intra- and interspecific density treatment levels. Mixed species densities did not have an effect on survivorship, but single species densities did affect longevity, with higher densities leading to shorter life spans in Cx. quinquefasciatus : Cx. quinquefasciatus lived longer than Ae. albopictus overall. There was no significant effect of density combinations on oviposition patterns in either species, but Cx. quinquefasciatus laid more rafts in bowls compared with cups. There is little evidence of adult interactions between these species; however, future experimental work is necessary to more fully characterize the possible effects of adult interactions on these species .

Publication Title

Journal of Medical Entomology

Volume

53

First Page

466

Last Page

469

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