Sugar prevalence in Aedes albopictus differs by habitat, sex and time of day on Masig Island, Torres Strait, Australia

• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05020-w
• Publication Date: 2021-10-10T18:07:46Z
• Authors: T. Swan; E. Ritmejerytė; B. Sebayang; R. Jones; G. Devine; M. Graham; F. A. Zich; K. M. Staunton; T. L. Russell; T. R. Burkot
• Keywords: Aedes albopictus

Abstract Background Sugar feeding is a fundamental behaviour of many mosquito species. For Aedes albopictus , an important vector dengue virus and chikungunya virus, little known about its sugar-feeding behaviour, no studies have been conducted on this in the southern hemisphere. This knowledge pivotal for determining potential attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs) to control vector. Methods The prevalence was assessed 1808 Ae. from Masig Island, Torres Strait, Australia collected between 13 25 March 2020. Fructose presence content field-collected were quantified using cold anthrone assay. Results Significantly more male (35.8%) than female (28.4%) fed. There significant interaction sex time day probability capturing sugar-fed . both sexes, fructose higher mosquitoes caught morning afternoon. Female residential habitat significantly likely be fed those woodland habitat. Conclusions These findings provide baseline information patterns essential enable assessment ATSBs suppression with relevance other locations where species occurs. Graphical abstract