Influence of tree trunks on the spatial distribution of Toxorhynchites r. rutilus ovipositions in a coastal oak/palm hammock in Florida
Jordan, S.
Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 7(3): 452-455
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 8756-971X PMID: 1686447 Document Number: 368723
The number of T. r. rutilus eggs occurring in 20 ground-level oviposition traps was monitored daily for 14 days (in September 1990) in an area of coastal oak/palm hammock forest in Florida. Ten of these ovitraps (modified 2-litre plastic soda bottles) were placed in contact with tree trunks, the others at least 2 m from the base of the nearest tree. There was no significant difference in the mean number of eggs observed in egg positive ovitraps for either type of trap site. However, ovitraps abutting trees were egg-positive significantly more often than expected. This result is discussed in terms of the initial oviposition-site searching behaviour of female Toxorhynchites.