The effects of temperature and shading on mortality and development rates of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

ABSTRACTUrbanization has caused an increase in favorable habitats forAedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), given their ability to reproduce in small and often non ‐degradable artificial water‐containers. While much work has been done onAe. aegypti biology and ecology in urban landscapes, the role of shading on immature stages as an independent factor from temperature, and any possible interactions between these factors, remains unexamined. We assessed how temperature and shading affected egg hatch ‐rate, larval/pupal mortality, and larval development to adult stage under different factorial temperature (28; 31; 34; 37; 40° C) and shade (0%, 3,100 lux; 40%, 1,860 lux; 75%, 775 lux; 100%, 0 lux) regimes. Hatch‐rate was significantly lower at 37° C (57 %), and no eggs hatched at 40° C. Th ere was no significant effect caused by shading on hatchability. Larval and pupal mortality at 37° C was significantly higher (35%) compared to lower temperature groups, while the effects of shading were emergent at low temperatures. Developmental times from hatching to adult emergence were signifi cantly reduced with increasing temperatures and with greater light exposures. The eco‐physiological response ofAe. aegypti larvae to temperature and light regimes suggest a photosensitivity previously unstudied in this species.

Source: Journal of Vector Ecology - November 14, 2019 Category: Biology Authors: Febrianne Sukiato, Ryan J. Wasserman, Su Chern Foo, Robyn F. Wilson, Ross N. Cuthbert Tags: Original Article Source Type: research