Mosquitoes of Rarotonga, Cook Islands: a survey of breeding sites

Two surveys of Rarotonga, Cook Islands (21 degrees 20'S, 160 degrees 16'W) were made to determine the mosquito fauna of the island, and to identify the habitats required for breeding by searching for larvae. The first survey was made during the dry season in May 2001, the second during the wet season in February 2002. The mosquito fauna comprised four species Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus Say, Culex (Culex) annulirostris Skuse, Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes (Stegomyia) polynesiensis Marks. Larvae of the Culex species were most often found in larger natural and artificial water bodies. The Aedes species bred in both natural and artificial containers of all sizes. Ae. polynesiensis was the most widespread species, using natural holes in all regions as well as artificial containers in the urban areas. Most larvae of Ae. aegypti were located in small artificial containers. The two Aedes species are the vectors of dengue fever on the island. Mosquito control during outbreaks should specifically target the artificial containers preferred by Aedes sp. for breeding habitats.