Evaluation of the Diversity of Culicidae Vectors of the Sylvatic Yellow Fever Virus in Atlantic Forest Remnants with the Use of Ovitraps and Bamboo Traps.

Mosquitoes transmit several pathogens in tropical regions, especially in forest areas. The diseases caused by these pathogens include malaria and several arboviruses such as yellow fever. Brazil has the largest endemic area in the world for yellow fever. Many factors can affect the sylvatic cycle of the disease, shifting it into human-inhabited areas. This study aims to examine the oviposition behavior of mosquito species that are effective or potential vectors of the yellow fever virus and which colonize bamboo traps and ovitraps installed at different heights. The positions of the traps in the strata were changed every 15 days. The collection of immature stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) was performed every 2 weeks for 12 months from August 2018 to July 2019 in the city of Nova Iguaçu, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in an area near the Tinguá Biological Reserve (REBIO) in the districts of Adrianópolis and Rio D'ouro. Statistical tests were used to compare oviposition at each stratum, and correlation tests showed the relationship between the presence of eggs and immature mosquitoes (larvae and pupae) and temperature, precipitation, and trap type. The diversity was calculated for each trap type and height, as well as the dry and rainy seasons. During the sampling period, 3929 eggs and 4953 larvae and pupae were collected. The traps installed in the high strata remained empty when traps on the ground were installed at the same time, although not when they were installed on their own. The results obtained with this new proposed methodology suggest that diversity is greatest in the rainy season and in bamboo traps for either stratum. Furthermore, this study suggests that mosquitoes begin searching for breeding sites at ground level. Higher levels may be occupied due to the absence or impermanence of other breeding sites.