First report of Aedes japonicus japonicus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) from India with special reference to the effect of temperature and relative humidity on its larvae

Abstract

Aedes japonicus japonicus Theobald, 1901 an invasive mosquito species is a competent vector of West Nile virus, La Crosse virus and Japanese Encephalitis virus. Environmental parameters such as temperature and relative humidity affect the life cycle of mosquitoes. The length of the developmental stages has been found to vary inversely with an increase in temperature and relative humidity. The effects of habitat and weather parameters on this mosquito are not well documented. Therefore investigations were carried out to identify the larvae and adults of Ae. japonicus japonicus and probe the effect of temperature and relative humidity on its larvae. We found by regression analysis that the weather parameters (temperature and relative humidity) and the larval count were positively correlated. Subsequently a one way ANOVA proved that the larval count varied significantly with these two parameters. The maximal larval count was obtained in the temperature range of 25.5 and 37.5°C with the highest at 28.5°C. The relative humidity range of 51.5 to 81.5% supported a high larval count with the maximum count being obtained at 72.5%.