Dataset for: Sugar prevalence in Aedes albopictus differs by habitat, sex and time of day on Masig Island, Torres Strait, Australia

This data describes a series of lab and field experiments investigating the sugar feeding behaviour of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes on Masig (Yorke) Island, Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia. Mosquitoes were collected in the field between 12/2/20 - 25/2/20. 
Data from the experiments are organised into two databases (MS Excel format): one for the lab work, the second for the field work. Links to GitHub pages containing all of the R scripts are included. The dataset also includes a complete description of the data archiving for analysis in PDF format (README), and as below:
Description of data archiving for analysis
A series of laboratory and field experiments were conducted to advance basic understanding of the reliability of different storage methods in maintaining consistent fructose detection with the cold anthrone assay in Ae. aegypti and characterise the sugar feeding patterns of Ae. albopictus on Masig Island, Torres Strait, Australia. Data from the entire set of experiments has been archived into one database, separated by different worksheet tabs.
Laboratory experiment: tab ‘Laboratory’
A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the reliability of various storage methods in maintaining consistent fructose detection with the cold anthrone assay in Ae. aegypti. These experiments were conducted at the James Cook University Mosquito Research Facility (MRF) in Cairns, Australia between 20/01/2020 – 14/02/2020. For analysis, a generalised linear model was used to investigate differences in fructose content between each preservation method.
Field experiments: tabs ‘Field and ‘Albopictus_fructose_cutoffs’
This dataset contains the data from the field studies. Mosquitoes were collected from 13/02/2020 – 25/02/2020 on Masig Island, Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia. These samples were stored by heat-fixing at 100°C for 60 minutes and transported back to the MRF, where analysis of fructose content with the cold anthrone test was undertaken. The data from these collections is archived into one database. For analysis, either a generalised linear mixed models or linear mixed models was run. Male (n=96) and female (n=94) laboratory reared, sugar-starved Ae. albopictus were used to establish sex specific baseline fructose levels.

Data dictionary for ‘Laboratory’ tab (this tab records the results of the laboratory experiments)

Parameter
Details

treatment

The specified storage method (“Heat fixed” = female Ae. aegypti stored intact by heat fixing at 100°C for 60 minutes, thereafter, stored at room temperature. “Whole EtOH” = female Ae. aegypti stored intact in 80% EtoH, thereafter, stored at 4°C. “Crushed EtOH” = female Ae. aegypti stored by crushing in 80% EtoH, thereafter, stored at 4°C), or mosquitoes killed on the day (“KOD” = female Ae. aegypti killed on the day of testing).

day

The number of days (7, 14 or 21) the mosquito was stored.

fructose_content
The mean fructose content (µg) averaged over two experimental replicates.

Data dictionary for ‘Field’ tab (this tab records the results of Aedes albopictus field experiments)

Parameter
Details

unique_ID

The specific number used to catalog individual mosquitoes.

fructose_content

The mean fructose content (µg) determined in the plate reader, averaged over two experimental replicates.

day

The day (1-12) which the mosquito was captured.

weather

Basic indication of the weather at the time of mosquito capture.

time

The time of mosquito collection: 06:00 – 10:00 (Morning) or 15:00 –19:00 (Afternoon).

sweeptime

Time (minutes) taken to capture 10 mosquitoes in a given station.

habitat

Refers to the habitat type (woodland or residential) where sampling occurred.

station

A station is the exact location where mosquito sampling occurred (GPS coordinates provided in Supplementary Text 3).
Stations 1 – 8: residential locations
Stations 9 – 16: woodland locations

contents

Refers to the physiological examination of the mosquito conducted in the field. ‘Male unfed’ = no abdominal distension, ‘female unfed’ = no abdominal distension, ‘male clear’ = clear liquid present in abdomen, ‘female clear’ = clear liquid present in abdomen, ‘female blood’ = abdomen containing blood.

sex

Refers to the sex of the mosquito (identified in the field).

sugar

Refers to whether fructose was detected in the mosquito, based on the average (+ 2 SD) baseline fructose level cut offs established with the lab-reared, sugar-starved Ae. albopictus.

flowers_binary

Refers to the presence or absence of flowers recorded at each station

Data dictionary for ‘Albopictus_fructose_cutoffs’ tab (this tab records results of screening the sugar-starved Aedes albopictus used to establish baseline fructose levels)

Parameter
Details

unique_ID

The unique identifier used to catalog individual mosquitoes. M = "Male", F = "Female".

fructose_content
The mean fructose content (µg) determined in the plate reader, averaged over two experimental replicates.