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Ecological notes of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) in Caracas city, Venezuela

Abstract:

We have collected specimens of all life cycle phases of Aedes albopictus in Caracas city. It occurs mainly in parks and green areas of the city between 900 to 1,490 m altitude, in the following breeding sites: Bamboo internodes, fallen spathes of palm, plastic cans, flower pots, bromeliads and water tanks. The femaleśs biting pattern was bimodal, with a first peak between 7:30-9:30 and the second around 14:30-17:30. The ingurgitation time was 1-2 minutes and the host localization and biting activity was no far from breeding and resting sites. With these preliminary ecological results, we pretend produce useful information to design strategies for Ae. albopictus detection and control. We propose considerations and suggestions for an efficient specimen detection and identification by mean of Venezuelan public health institutions.