Aedes aegypti, the primary dengue vector, has a distinctive resting position and breeding habitat that differ from Anopheles mosquitoes. Which combination correctly describes Aedes aegypti?

• A Rests at 45° angle to surface; breeds in large water bodies; nocturnal biter
• B Rests parallel to surface; breeds in brackish water marshes; crepuscular biter
• C Rests parallel to surface; breeds in clean stagnant water in man-made containers; daytime biter ✓
• D Rests at 90° angle to surface; breeds in polluted water; daytime biter

Explanation

Aedes aegypti rests in a position parallel to the surface (not at 45° like Anopheles), breeds in small collections of clean, stagnant water in artificial containers (flower pots, discarded tyres, water storage containers), and is primarily a daytime biter (diurnal/crepuscular). Anopheles rests at 45° with its body raised at an angle and breeds in clean, slow-moving or stagnant natural water bodies, biting nocturnally. Culex breeds in polluted stagnant water and rests parallel to the surface but bites primarily at night.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.