Low temperature storage and pupal survival in the Simulium damnosum complex.
Pupae of the Simulium damnosum complex were exposed for different time periods to temperatures of 0, 4, 8 and 12 degrees C before returning to ambient temperature (24-28 degrees C). As the period of exposure to the low temperatures increased, pupal survival decreased. A one day exposure even to 0 degrees C had little effect on survival, whereas for a 4 day exposure, the optimum survival occurred at 8 degrees C with a total of 46% emergence. Young pupae (pale cuticle) had greatest emergence after exposure to 12 degrees C, the old ones (dark sclerotised cuticle) after exposure to 8 degrees C. Exposure to the different cold temperatures did not significantly affect the longevity of the emerging adults. Low temperature storage of pupae is thus a viable method for long distance transportation of living specimens of blackflies.
Boakye
D A
DA
Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Roberts
D M
DM
D000818:Animals; D003080:Cold Temperature; D004772:Entomology / Q000379:methods*; D011679:Pupa / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D012843:Simuliidae / Q000502:physiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013997:Time Factors