Artificial light at night has species‐specific effects on oviposition behavior of mosquitoes

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a pervasive and growing issue worldwide. ALAN disrupts the physiology natural crepuscular nocturnal behavior of organisms, with widely observed effects on insects. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are disease vectors that evaluate select freshwater habitats as oviposition sites. This has both ecological epidemiological implications. However, it unknown how affects mosquito oviposition. We compared rates in outdoor mesocosms exposed to light-emitting diodes (LED, 3000 K, ca. 13 lux) dark controls. assayed populations mosquitoes by quantifying eggs (Culex restuans Theobald Ochlerotatus japonicus Theobald) deposited experimental over 7 days. had species-specific responses ALAN. Mean cumulative Cx. egg raft deposition was greater control pools than (21 vs. 10 eggs). no response Oc. japonicus, potentially reflecting risk associated alternative strategies two species (eggs rafts skip oviposition). Our results show thereby complicating our understanding behavioral potential this novel anthropogenic stressor.