Utilization of domestic and natural containers by Aedes oceanicus in American Samoa

Larval and pupal surveys of 439 natural and 2,455 domestic containers (total of 2,894 containers) were undertaken in four villages in American Samoa during the wet and dry seasons. For the first time, larvae and pupae of Ae. oceanicus were found in a variety of domestic containers (including buckets, plastic and polystyrene containers, cans, and tires) in addition to their traditionally reported habitats of plant leaf axils. Finding Ae. oceanicus in artificial containers in three villages during both the wet and dry seasons suggests that Ae. oceanicus is adapting to use these increasingly abundant water sources for breeding sites. The larger water volumes held by such containers could ensure the survival of this species during prolonged dry weather periods.