Studies to assess the mucus of giant African snail Achatina fulica (Bowdich) as an ovipositional attractant for mosquitoes

Abstract

Mucus of the giant African snail Achatina fulica (Bowdich)as an oviposition attractant was assessed under laboratory conditions as well as the role of water filled shells acting as breeding sites was undertaken in field studies as a utilitarian benefit of the snail. Field observations revealed oviposition, pupation and successful emergence of Aedes aegypti, in water filled shells and meat solution of A. fulica. The mucus of dormant snails has been found to be an oviposition attractant, though statistically insignificant in the three mosquito species viz., Ae. aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi. Further work is required to test the use of snail secretion obtained from active snails as well, as ovipositional trap under field conditions with more trails.