The diel oviposition periodicity of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Trinidad, West Indies: effects of forced egg retention.

The diel oviposition periodicity of two groups of Aedes aegypti females (Trinidad strain), (i) thoses allowed access to oviposition sites and (ii) females forced to retain-eggs for four days, were studied under laboratory conditions using one female per cage and monitoring by changing substrates every two hours. The individual females which were allowed access to oviposition sites showed peak oviposition between 16.00-18.00 h (50% of eggs), whereas individuals forced to retain eggs for four days showed a similar pattern but with a significantly (P<0.001) larger peak oviposition between 16.00-18.00 h (94% of eggs). However, females forced to retain eggs laid most or all of their eggs in one container (84%), while females given access to oviposition sites distributed their eggs among 2-4 containers. The results of this study are discussed in the context of the strength of the circadian rhythms, oviposition strategies and its impact on vector control activities.