The biology and demographic parameters of Aedes albopictus in northern peninsular Malaysia

Objective:To generate life table characteristics for the dengue vector Aedes albopictus(A. albopictus) under uncontrolled conditions,incorporating both the aquatic and the adult stages. Methods:Ten females derived from wild pupae were allowed to fully blood-feed on restrained mice.774 eggs were hatched in seasoned water.F1 larvae were followed for development until their F2 counterparts emerged as adults.Some population parameters were monitored(Fl) or estimated(F2).Results:A.albopictus exhibited increased fecundity and egg hatch success. Immature development was quick.Immature survival was high,with lowest rate in the pupal stage.Adult emergence was about 81%and sex ratio was close to 1:1.Generational mortality(K) was about 28%.A high proportion of females completed a reproductive cycle and the obtained parity rate was predicted to lead to higher fecundity in the next generation.Conclusios:It can be concluded that natural A.albopictus populations in Penang seem largely determined by quick development in combination with low immature loss and increased oviposition.