Abstract
BackgroundDifferent techniques are available for colour marking insects and each technique may be suitable for different insect species. Mosquitoes can be marked to determine population size, distribution and flight distance or distinguish closely related species. In this study, two methods of colour marking mosquitoes were described in detail and the impact of both methods on the survival and host-seeking behaviour of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto was investigated.MethodsMosquitoes were marked in groups with fluorescent powder or fluorescent dye. The powder was applied by creating a cloud of powder in a paper cup and the dye was applied with an airbrush. The effect of marking on the survival of mosquitoes of different age groups was tested under controlled conditions. The effect of marking on the host seeking response of the mosquitoes was tested in an olfactometer with human and cow odour as baits.ResultsNo effect of either of the marking methods was found on the survival of mosquitoes that were treated 1 or 3 days after emergence, however, the survival of mosquitoes treated 5 or 9 days after emergence was significantly reduced. The host-seeking response of mosquitoes to human or cow odour was tested in a dual-port olfactometer and was not found to be affected by treatment with fluorescent powder or dye.ConclusionsBoth methods are suitable for colour marking large groups of mosquitoes. Marking with fluorescent powder, however, is preferred because the method is simpler, visible without a UV light and no specific materials are required.
Highlights
Different techniques are available for colour marking insects and each technique may be suitable for different insect species
The malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto and A. arabiensis for example are morphologically indistinguishable, they vary in their behaviour and ecology
Treating 5 day old mosquitoes with dye or powder significantly reduced their survival compared to the control mosquitoes (Figure 1, d.f.=1, P
Summary
Different techniques are available for colour marking insects and each technique may be suitable for different insect species. Mosquitoes can be marked to determine population size, distribution and flight distance or distinguish closely related species. Two methods of colour marking mosquitoes were described in detail and the impact of both methods on the survival and host-seeking behaviour of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto was investigated. Mosquitoes have been marked to study their distribution and population density [2,3,4,5] or distinguish closely related species [6,7]. Anopheles gambiae is highly anthropophilic and A. arabiensis has a wider host range and is considered opportunistic [8]. These differences influence their vector competence and are interesting for various studies
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