Abundance changes and habitat preference of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus relative to proximity to the Gulf of Mexico

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are both vectors of the dengue virus and often compete as larvae in similar habitats.  Understanding the distribution and relative abundance of these species will aid in the process of determining risk for dengue virus transmission.  We examined the relative abundance of these two species in a transect extending from the Gulf of Mexico inland approximately 60 miles, to determine the varying distribution patterns of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the lower Rio Grande Valley. Four fields site were established on this transect, and three different habitats were surveyed at each field site – a tire dump/store, a cemetery, and a residential location.  Mosquitos eggs were collected using oviposition traps to determine relative abundance, and temperature and humidity were recorded during each collection. We predicted we would find a greater abundance of A. aegypti in the areas further away from the shoreline, where the humidity was lower and a greater abundance of A. albopictus in areas closer to the shoreline, where humidity is greater. We also predicted we would find greater abundance of A. aegypti in tire shops, where there is little cover and greater abundance of A. albopictus in the cemeteries, where there is greater land coverage. Determining the habitat preference between the species may help in controlling these vectors to prevent outbreaks of dengue virus in the lower Rio Grande Valley.