Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2020)

Author(s): Grace Marin, Berlin Mahiba, Subramanian Arivoli and Samuel Tennyson

Abstract: Oviposition traps or ovitraps indirectly estimate the vector population as it as a simple, inexpensive and sensitive tool for monitoring oviposition and vector indices. In the present study, ovitraps painted with five colours (red, black, green, blue and orange) were used to find out the effect of different colours on the oviposition response of Aedes aegypti females. An organic infusion of 50% rubber leaves concentration was used as oviposition attractant. The mean number of eggs oviposited in red, black, green, blue and orange coloured ovitraps were found to be 72.0 ±7.1, 105.8 ±12.9, 51.2 ±6.9, 45.8 ±16.3 and 33.7 ±10.7 respectively and it was observed that Aedes aegypti females oviposited maximum number of eggs in the black ovitrap followed by red. The present study revealed that the colour of ovitraps played a vital role in attracting the ovipositing females of Aedes aegypti and due attention can be given while considering the colour of the ovitraps, and attractants to be used for different objectives of further investigations as continued laboratory and field investigations need to be conducted to better understand the ovipositional behavior of mosquitoes in their natural habitat.