Survival of Aedes albopictus in Brazil: physiological age and reproductive history

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To study the longevity of Ae. albopictus populations in rural and urban areas in two different feeding conditions and to assess their physiological age and reproductive history. METHODS: Ae. albopictus larvae were collected in the Paraíba Valley, (urban area) and Ribeira Valley (rural area), São Paulo State, Brazil. In the laboratory, females were fed with sugar or blood and monitored daily. The day of death of each mosquito and other reproduction related characteristics were registered. Ovaries were dissected using Polovodova techniques and follicular development was examined according Christophers and Mer. Life tables were created and statistics analysis was performed for survival rates. Data analysis was carried out using Stata 7.0. RESULTS: Gonotrophic discordance was seen in both populations. Parous females developed terminal sacs. Nulliparous females had normal ovaries and in some cases dilatations were seen. Females fed with sugar showed higher survival rates. Statistical difference in survival rates was not observed in the populations of both areas. CONCLUSIONS: Parity status and physiological age of Ae. albopictus were not described using ovarioles analysis because they formed terminal sacs instead of dilations. Longevity of Ae. albopictus females was influenced by the food provided.