Background
1.Tracking mosquitoes using current
Conclusions
4.Deuterium-oxide proved useful in marking mosquitoes in their natural larval sites and although costly, may prove valuable for studies of mosquitoes and other aquatic insects. Based on our field study, we provide a protocol for marking mosquito larval sites using deuterium-oxide.
Results
3.Deuterium enrichment of wild mosquitoes above background levels (maximum = 143.1 ppm) became apparent 5-6 days after initial exposure, after which 2H values increased steadily until ~24 days later (to a mean of approx. 220 ppm). Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes showed significantly different 2H values (211 and 194.2 ppm respectively). Both genera exhibited exponential label attrition (e (-x)) amounting to 21.6% by day 30 post emergence, after which attrition rate continuously decreased. Males of both taxa exhibited a higher mean 2H value compared to females. Conclusions: 4.Deuterium-oxide proved useful in marking mosquitoes in their natural larval sites and although costly, may prove valuable for studies of mosquitoes and other aquatic insects. Based on our field study, we provide a protocol for marking mosquito larval sites using deuterium-oxide.