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Mediation of oviposition site selection in the African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) by semiochemicals of microbial origin

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Abstract

Laboratory studies were carried out to investigate the role of larval habitat-derived microorganisms in the production of semiochemicals for oviposition site selection by Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto mosquitoes. Dual-choice bioassays with gravid females were conducted in standard mosquito cages. Field-collected or laboratory-reared mosquitoes, individually or in groups, were offered a choice between unmodified (water or soil from a natural breeding site) or modified substrates (filtered water, autoclaved soil or sterile media to which bacterial suspensions had been added). Egg counts were used to assess oviposition preferences. Mosquitoes preferred to oviposit on unmodified substrates from natural larval habitats containing live microorganisms rather than on sterilized ones. Variable responses were observed when sterile substrates were inoculated with bacteria isolated from water and soil from natural habitats. We conclude that microbial populations in breeding sites produce volatiles that serve as semiochemicals for gravid An. gambiae. These signals, in conjunction with other (non-olfactory) chemical and physical cues, may be used by the female to assess the suitability of potential larval habitats in order to maximize the fitness of her offspring.

Résumé

Des études de laboratoire ont été conduites afin de déterminer le rôle de substances chimiques attractives de microorganismes présents dans les sites larvaires dans la préférence de ponte des femelles gravides d’Anopheles gambiae s.s. pour ces sites. Un test biologique à double choix a été mis en place dans des cages à moustiques standards contenant des femelles gravides. Un choix entre substrat naturel (eau et sol non modifiés provenant des sites larvaires naturels) et substrat modifié (eau filtrée, sol stérilisé, ajout de suspensions bactériennes) est offert individuellement ou en groupe aux femelles collectées sur le terrain ou élevées en laboratoire. Le nombre d’oeufs pondus dans chaque substrat a été utilisé comme critère pour évaluer la préférence des femelles gravides pour un substrat particulier. Les femelles ont préféré pondre dans le substrat naturel contenant des microorganismes vivants plutôt que dans le substrat stérile. Des réponses variables ont été observées lorsque des bactéries provenant des sites larvaires naturels ont été inoculées dans le substrat stérile. Nous concluons que la population microbienne, présente dans les site larvaires, produit des substances chimiques odorantes attirant les femelles gravides d’Anopheles gambiae s.s. Ces signaux, associés à d’autres substances non odorantes et à des facteurs physiques, peuvent être utilisés par les femelles pour évaluer le potentiel d’un site larvaire, en vue du développement optimal de leur progéniture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Mbita Point Research and Training Centre, PO Box 30, Mbita Point, Kenya

    Leunita A. Sumba, Tom O. Guda & Ahmed Hassanali

  2. Department of Zoology, Egerton University, PO Box 536, Njoro, Kenya

    Leunita A. Sumba & Arop L. Deng

  3. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Highland Professional Building, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1801 NW 9th Ave., Suite 300 (D-93), Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    John C. Beier

  4. Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO Box 8031, 6700 EH, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Bart G. J. Knols

  5. FAO/IAEA, Agency’s laboratories Seibersdorf, Entomology Unit, A-1400, Vienna, Austria

    Bart G. J. Knols

Authors
  1. Leunita A. Sumba
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  2. Tom O. Guda
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  3. Arop L. Deng
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  4. Ahmed Hassanali
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  5. John C. Beier
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  6. Bart G. J. Knols
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Correspondence to Bart G. J. Knols.

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Sumba, L.A., Guda, T.O., Deng, A.L. et al. Mediation of oviposition site selection in the African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) by semiochemicals of microbial origin. Int J Trop Insect Sci 24, 260–265 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1079/IJT200433

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/IJT200433

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