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Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Traps Improve the Light-Trapping of Anopheline Mosquitoes
B M Costa-Neta1,2,3, A A da Silva1,3, J M Brito1,3,4
1Laboratory of Medical Entomology, Center for Agrarian and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, CEP: 65500-00, Chapadinha, MA, Brasil.
Journal of Medical Entomology
|October 3, 2017
Summary
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) significantly enhance insect light trapping for anopheline mosquitoes. Green and blue LEDs proved more effective than incandescent lamps, regardless of lunar phase, improving surveillance efforts.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Medical Entomology
- Vector Surveillance
Background:
- Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer advantages over incandescent lamps for insect sampling.
- Limited data exist on anopheline mosquito attraction to LEDs.
- Anopheline mosquitoes are critical vectors of diseases like malaria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of LEDs as an alternative light source for sampling anopheline mosquitoes.
- To compare the attraction of green and blue LEDs to anopheline mosquitoes.
- To assess the influence of lunar luminosity on LED trap catches.
Main Methods:
- Modified Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps using 520 nm (green) and 470 nm (blue) LEDs.
- Experiments conducted across four lunar phases monthly.
- Collected and identified 1,845 anopheline specimens from eight species.
Main Results:
- LED traps were significantly more attractive than control traps, irrespective of lunar phase.
- Green LEDs captured the most anopheline mosquitoes (43.3%), followed by blue LEDs (31.8%).
- Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) evansae was the most abundant species collected (35.2%).
Conclusions:
- LEDs are a more efficient light source for anopheline mosquito light trapping compared to incandescent lamps.
- The use of LEDs in light traps should be considered for improved anopheline mosquito surveillance.
- LED trap efficiency is not significantly affected by varying lunar luminosity.
