Observations on Aëdes aegypti, L. (Dipt. Culic.) under controlled Atmospheric Conditions

Abstract

Methods of breeding and manipulating Aëdes aegypti are described. Experiments on length of life were carried out with 534 mosquitos under eleven sets of conditions of atmospheric temperature and humidity. Also, 379 females were given an opportunity to suck blood under 11 sets of conditions. The following conclusions were reached :—1. The length of life of starved mosquitos at 23°C. is very much dependent on humidity, but it cannot be directly related to saturation deficiency.2. In these experiments there is no significant difference between the mean survivals of males and females, the former being generally longer.3. The survival periods of fed and unfed females have a similar relation to humidity, the fed ones surviving the conditions for a longer period, irrespective of the date of feeding.4. The effect of a change of temperature of 7°C. on the survival at 23°C. and 30°C. is much less than would be expected when the long survival period at 10°C. is considered.5. In the absence of any efficient physiological adaptation for retarding loss of water, the females, possibly for this reason, seek a blood meal mainly in saturated air at the temperature of maximum activity.