Comperative oviposition preferences of aedes albopictus (SKUSE) (diptera: culicidae)to water between rainwater and tap water / Nur Ashila Fadzilan

Introduction: Dengue is an intense mosquito-borne viral infection and being a standout amongst the most critical in terms of morbidity and mortality. Genus Aedes
is the fundamental species responsible as virus transmitter of DF and DHF. It is important to understand the breeding ecology to inhibit the colonization process of the
dengue vector. Objective: The main aim of this study is to identify the oviposition preferences of Ae. albopictus between rainwater and tap water. Methodology: The
comparative oviposition preferences of Aedes albopictus to water from rainwater and tap water were evaluated in the laboratory. The study involved three phases with (1) Colonization of mosquitoes, water sample collection and physicochemical analysis, (2) Observation of oviposition preferences of Ae. albopictus, (3) Results analyzation. There were two test involved in this study, no-choice test and choice test. Results: In a no-choice test, there was no significant difference in the numbers of eggs colonized from the rainwater and tap water (p>0.05), indicating that Ae. albopictus oviposit their eggs on a substrate which is readily available. Whereas, in a choice test, gravid females were given a choice between rainwater and tap water for egg deposition and the results show that the number of eggs laid by Ae. albopictus in rain water (461.67 ± 12.4) was significantly more than that in tap water (212 ± 17.6) (p<0.05). The oviposition activity index was 0.37, indicating that the rainwater was more attractive compared to tap water as an oviposition substrate. The dissolved oxygen
(DO) values of both rainwater and tap water were not significantly different (p>0.001). Significant different of water conductivity, pH, and turbidity (p<0.001) could have
contributed to the site selection for oviposition of Ae. albopictus. Conclusion: This study provided baseline information on the different water characteristics that may
promote the survivorship of Ae. albopictus and also concluded that the rainwater provides more suitable medium for the colonization of dengue vector Ae. albopictus