Autor(es)McVean, A.

ResumoThe rotation of the flagellum of male and female Aedes aegypti (L.) was measured in a wind tunnel at wind speeds between 0 and 116 cm/s. Although the surface area of the female flagellum is only 10% of the male, it rotates through double the angle of the male flagellum for the same increase in wind speed. The larger rotation of the female flagellum could result from: a reduced resistive torque in the flagellar-pedicellar suspension; a larger antennal-positioning reflex; a smaller initial angle of attack. The resistive torque in the flagellar-pedicellar suspension was measured in both male and female Aedes aegypti . In ten adult females the average torque at 8 degree rotation was 2.70 plus or minus 1.33 x 10 super(-10) Nm and in ten males it was 6.46 plus or minus 3.46 x 10 super(-10) Nm.

Palavras-ChaveAntennae; Flagellar-pedicellar suspension; Sex differences; Aedes argypti; Scolopidia

ImprentaPhysiological Entomology, v. 16, n. 4, p. 435-438, 1991.

DescritoresAedes aegypti - Sexual

Data de Publicação:1991