Tests for the Existence of Genetic Determination or Conditioning in Host Selection by Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

The existence of sympatric populations within Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann with specific host preferences and the question of whether host selection has a genetic basis or is a learned characteristic were investigated. Progeny of wild females collected from corrals or human bait were reared in an insectary. F1 females were fed on a cow or on a human host, allowed to oviposit, and then were released in an experimental hut divided into three compartments. The side rooms occupied by two human or one calf baits were connected by a "funnel-like" cone with the central room in which mosquitoes were released. Females were released at 2000 hours and recaptured the next morning at 0600 hours. A fixed proportion of mosquitoes selected either host (approximately 65% cow and 35% human), irrespective of their parental origin or source of the first blood meal. The data indicate that the existence of cryptic populations with anthropophilic habits is unlikely and that a "learned" host selection also may be ruled out.

Olfactory memory in the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus

“…This type of memory has also been reported from phlebotomine sandflies (Kelly & Dye, 1997; Campbell‐Lendrum et al ., 1999). Other studies suggest that, in some Anopheles species, host preference may be influenced by previous feeds, with insects more likely to feed on the same host at a subsequent feed (Hii & Vun, 1987, 1991), although this is not always the case (Arredondo‐Jimenez et al ., 1992). Although memory was proposed as one explanation for the behaviour in many of these studies, alternative explanations could not always be excluded.…”

Host and/or site loyalty of Lutzomyia whitmani (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Brazil

“…1991 ), and Anopheles minimus in Thailand ( Suthas et al . 1986 ) , although it was not found in Anopheles culicifacies species B in Sri Lanka ( Rawlings & Curtis 1982) or Anopheles albimanus in Mexico ( Arredondo‐Jiminez et al . 1991 ).…”

Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Exhibit Decreased Repellency by DEET following Previous Exposure

“…Conditioning has been shown in R. prolixus [10], [11], D. melanogaster [12], and the parasitic wasp Microplitis croceipes [13]. For mosquitoes, some studies have found no evidence for behavioral adaptation [14], [15], while more recent work has demonstrated conditioning to odours [16]–[18]. Other investigations have shown that mosquitoes have a preference for returning to hosts they have successfully fed on previously [19].…”