Effects of the food supply on the life history of Simuliidae (Diptera)

Abstract

Data are presented from laboratory experiments to show the effect on the life history of Simulium vittatum and the S. verecundum complex of reducing available food supply. These experiments showed that development time was extended, survival declined, size decreased, and fecundity markedly reduced when food supply was reduced beyond a certain level. Differences between the two species may have an ecological basis. It is argued that such effects occur in natural populations of simuliids and that they have implications for studies of vectors and their control.