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Studying the favorable conditions for Aedes albopictus reproduction
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Samantha Nuñez and Gabriel Cárdenas
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Cassie Soeffing
Contributors:Dr. Rusty Low, scientist, IGES
Peder Nelson, scientist, OSU
Dr. Erika Podest, scientist, NASA JPL
Dr. Becky Boger, scientist
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report, Mission Mosquito Report
Protocols:Land Cover Classification, Earth As a System, Mosquitoes
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:02/17/2022
As one of the fastest spreading mosquito in the world, Ae. albopictus is a knowledgeable vector of many viruses. Its ability to easily reproduce lead to conduct experimentation aimed to study its reproduction in urban and rural environments of Puerto Rico. To comply with the extent of this research, two mosquito habitats (Experiment #1 and Experiment #2), were set up using artificial containers as water sources. Experiment #1 took place in an open area of suburban San Juan and Experiment #2 in a controlled area of rural Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. Samples were obtained and the number of larvae was counted. Using the GLOBE Observer app, the Larva type was identified. Experiment #2 had an average of 4.7 larvae per container whilst those of Experiment #1 averaged 2 larvae. The Ae. Albopictus mosquito is able to reproduce successfully in both suburban and rural areas of Puerto Rico. In order to control this species reproduction, water sources, especially in abandoned areas and sites of semipermanent ground, must be eliminated. As pollinators, mosquitoes play and essential ecological role in the ecosystem. It is evident the need to conserve the environment in the face of degrading natural resources, pollution and increasing human population growth.