Laboratory Studies on the Oviposition Site Preference of Toxorhynchites Splendens (Diptera: Culicidae)1

Abstract

Oviposition site preference of the predatory mosquito Toxorhynchites splendens was studied in the laboratory using the following variables: color, container type, height, water type, and salinity. Toxorhynchites splendens females preferred the color black for oviposition. Containers of choice for oviposition were ovitrap and tire (artificial containers) and coconut shell (natural container). Toxorhynchites splendens females appeared to prefer to oviposit at or near ground level in the cage. Not surprisingly, in view of its aerial ovipositional habit (females do not touch water while ovipositing), this species showed no significant preference for water type or salinity gradient. Toxorhynchites eggs were viable only in water containing less than 1% NaCl.