Development of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae Under Different Laboratory Conditions

In this study, several life history traits of Ae. albopictus were analyzed to identify upper and lower thresholds of larval density and diet concentration. Survival to pupation, time to pupation, and sex ratio were evaluated under a range of larval densities (0.5–5 larvae/ml) and food levels (0.05–1.6 mg/larva/d) using two larval diets (one locally developed; one developed by the FAO/IAEA). The larvae reared at 28 °C, at a density of 2 larvae/ml and receiving a food dose equal to 0.6 mg/larva/d of a diet consisting of 50% tuna meal, 50% bovine liver powder (the FAO/IAEA diet), and, as an additive, 0.2 g of Vitamin Mix per 100 ml of diet solution, developed in 5 d and had 90% survival to the pupal stage. With this rearing regime male pupae production 24 h after the onset of pupation was the highest; these pupae were ~94% male.
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: Vector Control, Pest Management, Resistance, Repellents Source Type: research