Density Dependence in Larval Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is expanding its distribution in the United States and elsewhere, and a better understanding of its population regulation is needed. A field experiment under seminatural conditions determined that density had a negative effect and food level a positive effect on immature survival, duration of development, and female size at emergence. A summary index (r') indicated that population growth also depended on density and food availability. These data can be used to estimate the relationships needed in the development of mathematical models for Ae. albopictus.