The ecology of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) in a rubber estate in Malaysia

Abstract
The ecology of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) was studied in a rubber estate near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1982–84. The rainfall fluctuated from month to month and year to year. However, there was close correspondence between rainfall and the numbers of eggs, larvae and pupae, and females throughout the two years. The mortalities of larvae and pupae observed were 87·5% in 1983 and 73·5% in 1984. Larvae of the dytiscid Lacconectus punctipennis Zimmermann were the major predators of the mosquito larvae, and the spider Heteropoda venatoria (L.) was the main predator of the adults. A species of Coelomomyces was found infecting the ovaries and an unidentified species of neogregarine was seen in the Malpighian tubules. The presence of Dirofilaria immitis larvae in the proboscis of A. albopictus was an indication that it is a potential vector of diseases of veterinary importance in Malaysia.

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