Light Traps attract most mosquito species but are not effective for which species?

• A. Aedes aegypti
• B. Anopheles gambiae
• C. Culex restuans
• D. Aedes albopictus

Answer: (D)

Light traps rely on mosquitoes’ tendency to move toward a light source, so they catch many species that are drawn to light. But not all species respond to light in the same way. Aedes albopictus shows relatively weak attraction to light and relies more on host cues such as odors, carbon dioxide, and heat when seeking a person to bite. Because of that, light traps don’t capture Ae. albopictus as effectively as they capture other species, making them a poor choice for monitoring this particular mosquito. For Ae. albopictus, traps that use host cues or other targeted methods (like traps baited with CO2 or pheromones, or ovitraps) work better. The other species listed tend to be more responsive to light, so light traps are more effective for them, which is why the correct choice points to Ae. albopictus.