The Optimal Radiation Dose for Competitive Males of Culex Tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae)1

Abstract

Five kR of gamma radiation from a ⁶⁰Co source was the optimal dose to decrease the fertility rate of male Culex tarsalis to 5%. Such males were competitive with unirradiated males from laboratory colony and field populations when tested in small cages indoors or in large outdoor cages.