Effect of temperature and Chlorella density on growth and metamorphosis of Chironomus circumdatus (Kieffer) (Diptera)

Abstract

Growth and matamorphosis of the midge larva Chironomus circumdatus were studied in relation to different temperature (22, 27, 32 and 37&#176;C) and food densities (13, 17, 21 and 25 &#215; 10<SUP>6</SUP> Chlorella ml<SUP>-1</SUP>). Larval duration was significantly influenced by both temperature and food density while temperature alone influenced the pupal duration. Metabolic rate increased with increasing temperature but decreased with increasing food density. Temperature did not affect metamorphic efficiency