Comparative 3D structural ornamentations on the eggs of Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) of Burdwan, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are potential arboviral vectors that are responsible for spread of dengue worldwide. Studies of these vectors and their bionomics form an important part in the vector controlling strategy. In the present piece of work, efforts have been made to differentiate between the eggs of these two species morphologically through scanning electron microscope. From the scanning electron micrographs of both of the species morphological differences were very clear. The eggs of Aedes albopictus were found to be much smaller in structure than that of Aedes aegypti. Moreover the micropylar apparatus, extrachorionic structure were also significantly different. Various species can be differentiated by viewing the scanning electron micrographs of the eggs. Stereomicroscopic structures are essentially useful in determining the difference between the species. The various differences in egg structure might be due to the environmental parameters they are laid at.