Oviposition and maintenance of Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea) townsvillensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the laboratory.
Fecundity, oogenesis, oviposition, and percentage egg hatch were quantified for the blood-feeding midge Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea) townsvillensis (Taylor). Data are similar to that reported for other species of blood-feeding Forcipomyia. Eggs rarely developed from a partial blood meal but invariably developed after a single, complete blood meal. Results suggest that this species is anautogenous. Oviposition media were investigated and a successful medium and holding chamber type identified. Longevity of adults in the laboratory was studied and indicates the possibility for >1 gonotrophic cycle to occur. Adult survival at different relative humidities showed midges can survive 35-98% RH. Rearing of larvae in the laboratory and culture media are discussed. The data supplied in this paper provide the basis for the laboratory culture of F. (L.) townsvillensis.
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Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis and Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D004175:Diptera / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology*