Laboratory observations on oviposition by the predaceous tree-hole mosquito, Toxorhynchites rutilus septentrionalis (Diptera: Culicidae)

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Abstract
The number and hatchability of eggs laid each day was observed for 15 consecutive days in 24 females isolated individually. During the first 5 days of oviposition, the proportion of females laying eggs varied from 0.45 to 0.82 and then decreased to an average value of 0.30. There was no relationship between female age and hatchability, and with one exception, unhatched eggs were not embryonated. For the 18 females surviving to day 15, the mean total number of eggs laid was 38.89 and the mean total number of retained mature eggs was 62.44. There was no relationship between the total numbers laid and retained.Oviposition was diurnal, with a minor peak during the 1st h of the photophase and a major peak during the hour preceding evening twilight.Females showed an oviposition preference for Aedes aegypti (L.) rearing medium over deionized water.Results are discussed in relation to the behaviour and ecology of Toxorhynchites mosquitoes.

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