Relative abundance and gonotrophic status of Aedes albifasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) during the autumn-winter period in Córdoba Province, Argentina

Abstract

Variations in the abundance of larvae and females of Aedes albifasciatus (Macquart) were monitored biweekly during the autumn-winter periods of 1996 and 1997 on the southern edge of the Mar Chiquita Lake in Córdoba Province. The degree of development of the primary ovarian follicles also was determined in host-seeking females. Abundance of the larvae and the females were noticeably different during the 2 yr of the study and matched changes in the pattern of precipitation. Although most females had ovarian follicles in Christophers stages Ib-IIa, 14% and 4% in 1996 and 1997, respectively, were in stages III-V (i.e., exhibited gonotrophic discordance). Females appeared to continue taking blood meals and laying eggs even during the autumn-winter period.