Identifying habitat preferences of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in a subtropical desert habitat

Understanding factors that can influence the distribution of disease vectors is critical for predicting and controlling outbreaks of vector-borne disease. In the lower Rio Grande Valley, two species of mosquito, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, may play prominent roles the incidence of Dengue fever. Previous research has shown that Aedes aegypti is more prevalent in areas that are typically urban or developed, while Aedes albopictus is more prevalent in sylvan habitats. This study will attempt to identify habitat preferences of these two species in selected sites throughout the lower Rio Grande Valley. The lower Rio Grande Valley is a subtropical desert habitat. Habitat preferences of these two species may differ from previously researched areas with plentiful rainfall and moisture. Oviposition traps were used to collect mosquito eggs at the multiple trapping sites in the lower Rio Grande Valley. Representative samples of eggs were hatched and larvae used for identification purposes to determine the local prevalence of the two mosquito species. The study was continued through multiple months to identify any seasonal changes in habitat preference. The results of this research will identify the potential of these species to co-exist in a subtropical desert habitat. In addition, it will provide an estimate of the relative prevalence of these two species in the lower Rio Grande Valley, and assess factors that will influence the distribution of these mosquitoes.