Article contents
The Breeding Behaviour of the Type Form of Aëdes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) in south-western Nigeria in Relation to Insecticidal Control
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2009
Extract
The type form of Aëdes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) is widespread in southwestern Nigeria, breeding in the basins of rotting tree stumps in the coastal mangrove swamp, in holes in living trees in the freshwater swamp zone and near Lagos and in domestic containers restricted to village clearings in the inland forest zone. Pot surveys were carried out in a rain forest village 50 miles north-west of Lagos and in the capital itself. Baked clay pots holding half a gallon of water were used in each case and were placed in three situations, inside houses, outside but in otherwise sheltered positions, and in fully exposed positions. The degree of larval infestation in both cases was greatest inside houses, but the behaviour pattern was less domestic in Lagos. Larvae were found in pots contaminated with decaying vegetable matter in Lagos but not in the village. Spraying tests indicated that houses and foliage afforded varying degrees of protection to the immature stages of the mosquito. Control of this species is made difficult by the localisation of the immature stages in relatively inaccessible sites and it is suggested that individual treatment of larval habitats by insecticidal pellets before the commencement of the rainy season would ensure a high mortality of first-generation larvae. The toxicity hazard to man is not considered to be great. The development of resistant and wild populations is discussed.
- Type
- Research Paper
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1960
References
- 3
- Cited by