Effects of Color and Larval-produced Oviposition Attractants on Oviposition of Aedes triseriatus1 , 2

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Abstract
Color of oviposition site influences egg deposition by Aedes triseriatus (Say), and can interfere in experiments designed to demonstrate selection of sites containing larval-produced oviposition pheromones. Gravid females exhibit a marked preference for dark-colored oviposition sites. Selection by females of larval holding water ( LHW ) over distilled water increased as the color of the oviposition containers became lighter. Paired tests in amber containers resulted in 66% of the eggs being laid on LHW , while 34% was placed on distilled water. Much lower total oviposition occurred at green or colorless oviposition sites, but very high selectivity due to the presence of larval-produced chemicals was observed, with an avg. 96% of the oviposition occurring at green LHW sites and 98% at colorless LHW sites. Paired t -tests indicated a highly significant difference between numbers of eggs placed on LHW and distilled water substrates in all tests.