Physiology and development of the M and S molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae in Burkina Faso (West Africa).
In West Africa, M and S molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae) Giles, frequently occur together, although with different population bionomics. The S form typically breeds in rain-dependant water collections and is present during the rainy season only whereas the M form can thrive all year long in areas with permanent breeding opportunities. In the present study, we explored physiological and developmental trade-offs at play in laboratory colonies and field populations of the M and S forms that originated from an area of sympatry in Burkina Faso, where M and S larvae exhibit such habitat segregation. In the laboratory, larvae of the M form developed slower than the S form (mean values 9.51 and 8.85 days, respectively, Wilcoxon's test, P < 0.001). Although wing length and dry weight at emergence showed large variations, M females were on average 8% heavier than S females of similar wing length. Higher nutritional reserves (proteins and lipids) in teneral adults explained part of this weight difference, reflecting a better ability of the M form to garner resources at the larval stage. Furthermore, a higher rate of ovarian maturation was observed in the M form after a single bloodmeal. The relevance of these findings for parasite transmission is discussed.
MIVEGEC, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France. karine.mouline@ird.fr
K
K
Mouline
W
W
Mamai
P
P
Agnew
M
M
Tchonfienet
C
C
Brengues
R
R
Dabire
V
V
Robert
F
F
Simard
D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D002050:Burkina Faso; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D056084:Genetic Fitness; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype; D012098:Reproduction; D012621:Seasons