Distribution and preference for oviposition sites of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in the metropolitan area of Bel ém, in the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACTThe mosquitoAedes albopictus is a vector of several arboviruses transmitted to humans. They have a sylvatic behavior, occurring in rural areas. However, reports of their adaptation to anthropic environments have been increasing. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and distribution ofAe. albopictus in the Metropolitan Region of Bel ém in the Brazilian Amazon and evaluate its preference for either natural or artificial breeding sites under the weather conditions of the Amazon. Ovitraps (artificial breeding sites) and bamboo internodes (natural breeding sites) were deployed in neighborhood peridomiciles during the dry and rainy seasons. The results showed that the presence ofAe. albopictus was recorded in 71.4% of the neighborhoods during the dry season and in 69.2% neighborhoods during the rainy season, thus indicating a wide distribution in the region. A significant increase in the frequency of the capture of mosquitoes in areas with higher vegetation cover was observed during the dry season (R2 = 0.2995; p=0.018) but not during the rainy season (R2 = 0.044; p=0.43). Comparing the weekly frequency ofAe. albopictus on positive bamboos and OVT, no significant difference was observed between them (t= 0.559; df= 23; p=0.58). A significant increase in the number of positive breeding sites was observed with increased rainfall for both bamboo (R2 = 0.33; p= 0.002) and OVT (R2 = 0.24; p= 0.013). This is the first report ofAe. albopictus in the metropolitan ar...
Source: Journal of Vector Ecology - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research