title: Growth and development of Aedes aegypti larvae at limiting food concentrations.
abstract: Mosquitoes have a complex life-cycle with dramatic changes in shape, function, and habitat. Aedes aegypti was studied by growing individual larvae at different concentrations of a defined rich food source. At higher food concentrations, rate of larval growth was faster, but the time required for 4th instar larvae to molt into the pupal stage was unexpectedly extended. These opposite tendencies resulted in constant times from hatching to pupation and up to adult eclosion at permissive food concentrations. The results demonstrate that nutritional conditions of 4th instar larvae impact initiation of the first metamorphic molt.
authors: Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Be'er-Sheva 84105, Israel.
authors: Tal
authors: T
authors: Levi
authors: Achva Academic College, MP Shikmim 79800, Israel.
authors: Eitan
authors: E
authors: Ben-Dov
authors: Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Kiryat Bergman, Be'er-Sheva 84105, Israel.
authors: Preeti
authors: P
authors: Shahi
authors: Borovsky Consulting, 135 36th CT, Vero Beach, FL 32968, USA.
authors: Dov
authors: D
authors: Borovsky
authors: Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Kiryat Bergman, Be'er-Sheva 84105, Israel. Electronic address: ariehz@bgu.ac.il.
authors: Arieh
authors: A
authors: Zaritsky
mesh_terms: D000330:Aedes / Q000254:growth & development*; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000600:supply & distribution; D000818:Animals; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development
keywords: Aedes aegypti; Food limitation; Mortality; Mosquito development; Timing of pupation