Habitat Hunting: A characterization of dissolved oxygen concentration dynamics in artificial breeding grounds in urban habitats for Aedes aegypti domestic subspecies

Abstract

Aedes aegypti are the vectors to diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and zika threatening endemics is multiple parts of the world. The reason Aedes aegypti are such effective disease vectors is because they have adapted to live in close proximity with human spaces. Previous work has shown that there are different preferences between breeding containers between the generalist subspecies and domestic subspecies. However, it is still undiscovered if the adaptations the domestic subspecies has adapted are relevant to the actual conditions of artificial breeding cans. This study focuses on the dynamics of dissolved oxygen in potential artificial breeding containers and explore which variables affect this hatching cue. The results show that various variables of an urban environment: type of container, temperature, time, larvae presence, and time of day all effect the dissolved oxygen levels of a container. It was also found that there is high variability of dissolved oxygen in different artificial containers. This study aims to increase our understanding of the breeding habitats of Aedes aegypti in urban spaces to better develop vector control strategies. The data calls for a better understanding of the breeding habitats of the domestic subspecies to prevent and eliminate creating potential breeding sites in human habituated areas.