Age-dependent survival of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) demonstrated by simultaneous release-recapture of different age cohorts.
The assumption that mosquito survival remains constant and that it is independent of age was tested with free-ranging Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) by using a "synthetic cohort" mark-release-recapture method. Mosquito age cohorts (1-2, 3-4, and 19-20 d) were released simultaneously in homes in rural Thai villages during dry and rainy seasons (2002). Significant age-dependent effects were detected during the dry and rainy seasons. More young than older mosquitoes were recaptured (1-4 versus 5-20 d). The best predictive fit for recaptures was obtained using a quadratic function of age. Our results provide the first field-based evidence for age-dependent Ae. aegypti mortality in which the death rate increases with advancing age and highlight the need for research on ecological and epidemiological aspects of this process.
Harrington
Laura C
LC
Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. lch27@cornell.edu
Françoisevermeylen
Jones
James J
JJ
Kitthawee
Sangvorn
S
Sithiprasasna
Ratana
R
Edman
John D
JD
Scott
Thomas W
TW
D000330:Aedes / Q000502:physiology*; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D049628:Body Size / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011157:Population Dynamics