Influence of Crowded Breeding Conditions on Morphometry and Biological Fitness Indices of Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae): Implication for Disease Transmission

Abstract

The present study attempts to use morphometry to elucidate the influence of larval crowding on life stages’ ontogenic progression of Culex quinquefasciatus. Four mosquito crowding conditions were adopted; namely; 1 larva in 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 cm3. Each density regimen was setup in four (4) replicates, with a repeat after the first experimentation. A total of 4,480 mosquitoes, comprising of 3,200 immature and 1,280 adult life stages were used in the study. Immature (larval and pupal) and adult body parts were measured at all life stages and density regimens. Lengths, widths and surface area of adult wings were determined. Volumes of fourth instar larvae and adult and wing fluctuating asymmetry were also determined. Analyses revealed crowding-dependent reduction in body size of all life stage and fitness indices with increase in crowding conditions. The information generated in this study is crucial in understanding the inter-play between density and biological fitness of Cx. quinquefasciatus.