vi, 27 p.Aedes triseriatus is a medically important mosquito
species for research as it is a carrier of the La crosse
encephalitis virus. In nature, less than 10% of larvae
eventually emerge as adults. In this experiment, tree hole
habitats were simulated to determine what nutrients were
needed for larvae to survive and successfully pupate.
Nutrients were added to simulated habitats in the
lab. These additions (in encapsulated forms) included
protein, cholesterol, cod liver oil (a lipid mixture),
palmitic acid and inert glass beads (as a control). Other
nutrient additions included glucose and inorganic ions in
concentrations found in stemflow (rainwater that runs into
tree holes from the sides of trees).
Cholesterol was the only treatment that had
significantly increased rates of pupation as compared to the
controls (ANOVA, p < 0.050). While control treatments showed
no pupae, 100% of larvae treated with cholesterol capsules
pupated within 40 days.
Results from these treatments indicate that protein,
cholesterol, cod liver oil and both stemflow products
(glucose and inorganic ions) were able to increase larval
survivorship and weights relative to the controls. Palmitic
acid increased the mortality rate as compared to the
controls, but this was possibly due to the handling of the
larvae during treatment.
These results suggest that sterols are possibly the
limiting nutrients (for successful pupation) in A.
triseriatus habitats.Department of Entomology. Kellogg Biological Station. Michigan State University. Hickory Corners, Michigan
