Skip to main content
AMCA25 Main banner
Final Program


Icon Legend
This session is not in your schedule.
This session is in your schedule. Click again to remove it.
Back

Adult Vector Control using ULV Applications

Adult Vector Control using ULV Applications

206 - Characterizing the intrinsic and extrinsic factors driving resting behavior of Aedes aegypti to advance vector control

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
4:10 PM – 4:20 PM AST
Location: 209
Abstract: Aedes aegypti prefers to rest at heights below 1.5 meters and dark colored surfaces. However, few studies have quantified the relative contribution of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in driving this preference. Quantifying these factors may allow control programs
to improve the efficacy of insecticide applications and assess the evolution of behavioral resistance. We investigated the
contribution of sex, feeding-status, color attraction, and microclimate in driving the resting height preferences of Ae. aegypti in
experimental huts in Merida, Mexico. Bioassays were done using a cutting edge, high-resolution, artificial intelligence tracking
device (Photonic Fence Monitoring Device - PFMD) and various colored-sticky traps. The following factorial design was followed: a)
two lines of Ae. aegypti (laboratory-Rockefeller [ROCK] vs Merida-wildtype [WT]), b) three experimental groups (males vs. unfed
females vs. blood-fed females), c) four colors (only black vs only white vs their reciprocal combinations), and d) three sampling
times (morning vs. noon vs. afternoon). 1,580 ROCK mosquitoes and 792 WT were collected on sticky traps, with WT significantly
resting below 1 meter compared to ROCK (71% vs 52%; Χ2, p < 2.2E-16). Both lines significantly rested more on black vs white
surfaces across all four-color conditions regardless of their height (pairwise Χ2, p ≤ 0.003). Afternoon replicates of WT had more
counts above 1 meter regardless of color (vs. morning: Χ2, p-value 0.003; vs noon:Χ2, p-value 0.005). Our findings suggest
microclimate, color, and possibly genetics all have an impact in driving resting behavior outcomes for both lab and wild adapted
Ae. aegypti.