ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF AEDES AEGYPTI AND AEDES ALBOPICTUS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) UNDER NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

Different kinds of organisms are exposed to daily natural changes in light/dark and temperature cycles. Such organisms are well adapted to those changes, expressing a specific behavior which is endogenously controlled and also is as a product of the expression of some clock genes. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two important dengue vectors in various countries around the world. The study of the activity rhythm of dengue vectors is crucial to understand better their daily behavior, the dynamics of virus transmission as well as the best application of mechanisms of mosquitoes control. Thus, the objective of this review is to evaluate some studies on the behavior and circadian rhythms of A. aegypti and A. albopictus under natural and laboratory conditions.