Pupal dimensions as predictors of adult size in fitness studies of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

J Med Entomol. 2008 Mar;45(2):331-6. doi: 10.1603/0022-2585(2008)45[331:pdapoa]2.0.co;2.

Abstract

Adult body size is a central life history character in mosquito fitness studies. I evaluated the predictive values of pupal cephalothorax length, cephalothorax width, and wet weight for adult size (wing length) of male and female Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). Cephalothorax length was the most consistent and accurate predictor of adult size. Width of the cephalothorax and wet weight were more variable, and they significantly decreased shortly before adult emergence. I propose that cephalothorax length could be used as a proxy for adult size to test how physical and biological factors such as resource-limited environments and competition affect mosquito fitness with the advantage that the specimen does not need to be killed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / anatomy & histology
  • Aedes / growth & development*
  • Animals
  • Body Size / physiology*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Pupa / anatomy & histology