Responses of Adult Anopheles Stephensi to Light of Various Wavelengths1

Abstract

In simultaneous exposures to an incandescent lamp and to selected wavelengths of monochromatic light, Anopheles stephensi showed significant preferences for certain of the test colors. It demonstrated a strong positive reaction toward the middle ultraviolet wavelength 290 mμ, and in common with many other insect species, toward 365 mμ in the near ultraviolet region. Light at 690 mμ near the infrared also induced a strong positive behavioral response. Colors in the blue-green-yellow portion of the spectrum were less attractive than incandescent light. Light traps equipped with BLB-type fluorescent lamps, which peak in the region of 360 mμ, appear to have excellent potential for surveillance of A. stephensi populations.