Adnan Usman1*, WaseemAkram1, Fatima1, Tahir Bilal2, Fatima khan3, Ahmad Ammar1, Waqas Ahmad1, Muhammad Zohaib Ashfaq4, Syed Muhammad Ali1 and Muhammad Waseem5
1Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan; 2 Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Australia; 3Life and health sciences, Ulster University, UK; 4Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan; 5Plant Protection Entomology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan.
*Corresponding author: adnanusm586@gmail.com
In this study, oviposition preferences of the Aedes aegypti and Culex spp. on four different water surfaces, trees hole debris, dry leaves, husk, and plain water were observed under natural field conditions. Plastic containers (5L) were used to test the preference of oviposition of the A. aegypti and Culex spp. on the above four water surfaces. Findings indicated that containers that had organic substrates and especially Tree Hole Debris and Dry Leaves, recorded higher oviposition levels than Plain Water. A. aegypti were found to be more attracted to darker and nutrient-rich substrates and Culex spp. was found to be more tolerant to treatments. Weekly oviposition were also affected by environmental changes like temperature, humidity, among others. On the whole, the results demonstrate the role of organic matter in the development of mosquitoes' breeding behavior, which can be useful in the development of specific control measures against the vectors.