Our article addresses the problems of sampling and quantifying the abundanc
e of immature Aedes aegypti (L.) and other mosquitoes that use subterranean
habitats such as wells and service manholes. Two versions of the funnel tr
ap, Austrap and Vietrap were extremely sensitive for detecting the presence
of Ae. aegypti larvae in wells, and the modified version, the Vietrap, sam
pled on average 20.5% of 3rd and 4th instars when set overnight for 12h. Fo
r both models, regression analyses between trap catch and absolute abundanc
e indicated high coefficients of determination (R-2 = 0.932 and 0.992) enab
ling accurate direct calibration. The effects of immature age, mosquito spe
cies, well diameter, and trap size on catch size were investigated. Because
of its simplicity, efficacy, and inexpensiveness, the Vietrap will facilit
ate the comprehensive assessment of key larval habitats for Ae. aegypti, da
ta critical for the development of effective control programs.