Optimization of Aedes albopictus rearing procedures: Preliminary steps towards large-scale rearing of the species within the laboratory in Mauritius

As preliminary steps towards a large-scale production of Aedes albopictus, egg hatching, blood feeding and larval rearing procedures were optimized in the national entomological laboratory in Mauritius. A mixture consisting of 28% tuna meal, 36% bovine liver powder and 36% brewer’s yeast in dechlorinated water, induced more hatching in eggs of A. albopictus (mean of 99.3%) than in four other media. Blood source (human and bovine) did not have a major effect on female survival, fecundity and egg hatchability. However, egg production was highest in cages where blood was provided on the roof top using Hemotek feeders as compared to cages where Hemotek feeders or blood-filled sausages were placed inside the cage. Furthermore, two locally-manufactured animal feeds costing approximately 1 USD per kilogram, Aquatro Tilapia Pre GrowerTM and ChewliTM, were as effective in rearing A. albopictus larvae as the IAEA diet (a diet optimized in Vienna for rearing the species).