Which methods are non-selective for adult mosquitoes?

Which methods are non-selective for adult mosquitoes?

• A. Mechanical sweepers and nets
• B. CO2 traps
• C. Gravid traps
• D. Ovitraps

Answer: (A)

Non-selective sampling for adult mosquitoes means capturing individuals without relying on a specific cue or behavior to attract them. Mechanical sweepers and nets fit this, because they physically collect mosquitoes that are present in the environment—bystanding, flying, or resting—without using attractants or targeting a particular physiological state. They grab whatever happens to be there, giving a broad snapshot of the adult population. The other methods rely on specific behaviors: CO2 traps lure host-seeking females by emitting carbon dioxide, grav­id traps are biased toward gravid females looking to lay eggs, and ovitraps attract females that are laying eggs. Because they pull in mosquitoes based on those particular behaviors or life stages, they are more selective in what they sample. So the broad, non-selective approach is achieved by mechanical sweepers and nets.

Non-selective sampling for adult mosquitoes means capturing individuals without relying on a specific cue or behavior to attract them. Mechanical sweepers and nets fit this, because they physically collect mosquitoes that are present in the environment—bystanding, flying, or resting—without using attractants or targeting a particular physiological state. They grab whatever happens to be there, giving a broad snapshot of the adult population.

The other methods rely on specific behaviors: CO2 traps lure host-seeking females by emitting carbon dioxide, grav­id traps are biased toward gravid females looking to lay eggs, and ovitraps attract females that are laying eggs. Because they pull in mosquitoes based on those particular behaviors or life stages, they are more selective in what they sample.

So the broad, non-selective approach is achieved by mechanical sweepers and nets.