Pupal dimensions as predictors of adult size in fitness studies of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
Autor(es): Koenraadt C J M
Resumo: 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.
Palavras-Chave: Aedes aegypti; Fitness; Cephalothorax length; Cephalothorax width; Wet weight
Imprenta: Journal of Medical Entomology, v. 45, n. 2, p. 331-336, 2008
Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1603/0022-2585(2008)45[331:pdapoa]2.0.co;2
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - Clinical examination
Data de publicação: 2008
