Which surveillance method uses a tongue depressor wrapped in paper towel emerged in a one-pint, black jar that has been half-filled with water to collect eggs?

Which surveillance method uses a tongue depressor wrapped in paper towel emerged in a one-pint, black jar that has been half-filled with water to collect eggs?

• A. Larva collection site
• B. Ovitrap for mosquito eggs
• C. Artificial resting site for adult mosquitoes
• D. Collection device for mosquitoes in the pupal stage

Answer: (B)

Ovitraps are a surveillance method designed to monitor mosquito egg-laying activity. The setup described—an item like a tongue depressor wrapped with a paper towel placed inside a dark, one-pint jar half-filled with water—is intended to attract gravid female mosquitoes to lay eggs on the towel substrate. The dark container and the moist environment mimic natural container habitats, signaling a suitable place for oviposition. After collection, the eggs on the towel can be counted or hatched in a lab to assess mosquito presence and abundance. This approach specifically targets eggs, distinguishing it from methods that collect larvae (larval sites), pupae (pupal devices), or adults resting in artificial sites.

Ovitraps are a surveillance method designed to monitor mosquito egg-laying activity. The setup described—an item like a tongue depressor wrapped with a paper towel placed inside a dark, one-pint jar half-filled with water—is intended to attract gravid female mosquitoes to lay eggs on the towel substrate. The dark container and the moist environment mimic natural container habitats, signaling a suitable place for oviposition. After collection, the eggs on the towel can be counted or hatched in a lab to assess mosquito presence and abundance. This approach specifically targets eggs, distinguishing it from methods that collect larvae (larval sites), pupae (pupal devices), or adults resting in artificial sites.