Differences in submergence time and alarm reaction rate in Anopheles stephensi, Aedes egypti and Culex pipiens fourth instar larvae in response to vibration stimulus

ABSTRACT

Studying mosquito larvae behavior can provide insights into developing new ways in controlling vector borne diseases. Feeding is an aspect of larval behavior that has been studied extensively. Surface and underwater feeding behaviors are linked by diving. The larvae use dive behavior to feed underwater or to escape predators. We elicited dive responses in fourth instar larvae of three different mosquito species using vibration stimulus and compared their response rate and submergence time. Marked differences in the response rate and submergence time were recorded for the three species of mosquitoes. These differences can be exploited to develop new larvae control methods to reduce mosquito borne diseases.