A sticky entry-exit trap for sampling mosquitoes in subterranean habitats

Area of Science:

• Medical entomology
• Urban ecology
• Vector-borne disease research

Background:

• Subterranean habitats like wells and manholes are under-sampled environments for adult mosquitoes.
• Traditional sampling methods are often ineffective for detecting mosquito populations in these concealed locations.
• Understanding mosquito presence in such habitats is crucial for disease vector control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel sampling device, the sticky pipe trap, for adult mosquitoes in subterranean environments.
• To assess the efficacy of the sticky pipe trap in capturing key mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti.
• To investigate mosquito entry and exit behaviors in service manholes.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of sticky pipe traps clipped to the underside of service manholes.
• Monitoring trap collections during dry seasons in selected locations in north Queensland, Australia.
• Identification of collected mosquito species and analysis of their sex and parity.

Main Results:

• The sticky pipe trap successfully recorded adult mosquito activity in service manholes.
• Five mosquito species were collected, with the Aedes tremulus group and Aedes aegypti comprising 91% of the 1,140 adults captured.
• Exiting mosquitoes were predominantly males and nulliparous females, while entering mosquitoes were gravid females seeking oviposition sites.

Conclusions:

• The sticky pipe trap is a viable tool for sampling adult mosquitoes utilizing subterranean habitats.
• The study provides insights into the differential movement patterns of male, nulliparous, and gravid female mosquitoes in relation to manhole structures.
• Findings contribute to improved surveillance and control strategies for mosquito vectors in urban settings.