Hatching pattern and coexistence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Culicidae) in a subtropical city, Argentina, after three decades of coexistence

Abstract

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are mosquito vectors of numerous arboviruses of sanitary importance. Presently in Argentina, neither Ae. aegypti nor Ae. albopictus, have displaced the other species in the places where they coexist, since the introduction of the latter in 1998. In this study, we evaluated whether these species coexist at different scales (ovitrap, microhabitat and habitat) in the city of Eldorado, Misiones province, northeast Argentina. We also analyzed the seasonal variation and climate variables related to the delay in egg hatching of both species. Mosquitoes were collected weekly, from June 2017 to May 2018, using ovitraps placed in urban areas. We conclude that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus coexist in the study area, at the ovitrap, microhabitat and habitat scales. Furthermore, no pronounced pattern of delayed hatching has been observed for either species; however, eggs of Ae. albopictus laid during colder weeks and less rainfall needed a greater number of immersions to hatch, while for Ae. aegypti those laid during weeks with low rainfall and high temperatures showed the longest delay in hatching response.