DIEL PATTERNS OF OVIPOSITION INDOORS OF THE MOSQUITO, AEDES-AEGYPTI (L) (DIPTERA, CULICIDAE) IN TRINIDAD, WI - A PRELIMINARY-STUDY

Diel patterns of oviposition of domestic Aedes aegypti were monitored early in the dry season in two situations indoors in Trinidad, West Indies. In kitchens, a large, well defined peak of oviposition (comprising more than 56% of eggs laid) occurred two to four hours before sunset and a smaller peak (about 16% of eggs laid) occurred within the two hours after sunrise. In living rooms, the afternoon peak was better defined and larger (more than 86% of eggs laid) and occurred later, within the two hours before sunset; the morning peak coincided with its counterpart in kitchens but was much smaller (less than 2% of eggs laid); some oviposition (about 8%) occurred at night but only during the two hours after sunset. Peaks of oviposition corresponded with times of greater human presence or activity in the two kinds of room. Similarities and differences between these patterns and those of oviposition outdoors and of landing indoors are discussed in the context of possible determinants of oviposition behaviour.