Wednesday, December 12, 2001 -
D0710

Effects of bacteria on the oviposition behavior and electroantennogram responses of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Jonathan D. Trexler1, Charles S. Apperson1, Ludek Zurek1, Cesar Gemeno1, Edward D. Walker2, Michael G. Kaufman3, and Coby Schal1. (1) North Carolina State University, Department of Entomology, Box 7647, Raleigh, NC, (2) Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, Department of Entomology, E. Lansing, MI, (3) Michigan State University, W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr, Hickory Corners, MI

Bacteria were isolated and identified from three sources that produced oviposition stimulants and/or attractants of Aedes albopictus (Skuse). The sources from which the bacteria were identified were oak leaf infusion, larval rearing water, and soil-contaminated cotton towels. Ten bacteria species were identified from seven genera. The oviposition responses of Ae. albopictus to each bacteria species were examined in open-cup, binary choice assays. These assays measured the number of eggs that were oviposited by single females based on both contact chemical stimulation and attraction to volatiles. Attraction to bacterial isolates was measured using a binary sticky-screen assay. Bacterial isolates that significantly attracted Ae. albopictus were further analyzed using an electroantennogram (EAG). Volatiles were collected and the EAG responses of gravid females were measured. The role of bacteria in oviposition site selection by Ae. albopictus is discussed.

Species 1: Diptera Culicidae Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito)
Keywords: oviposition, bacteria

The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA