Vertical Oviposition Preferences of the Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, In Temperate North America

As a hyperaggressive mosquito that is also a public health threat, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), the Asian tiger mosquito, is a major priority for control efforts. We examine one aspect of Ae. albopictus biology: oviposition height. Field-based research in an urban habitat was conducted to determine if a height preference exists for this species. Larval and egg counts showed a significant preference for oviposition at ground level (0 m) compared to heights of 1, 2, 3, or 4 m (P < 0.01). An experiment conducted under semi-field conditions supported our conclusion of oviposition preference at ground level (P < 0.001), and further defines the search image needed by mosquito control personnel when dealing with this invasive species.