Effect of delayed mating on reproductive performance and life-history parameters of dengue vector Aedes aegypti

Abstract

Dengue is a fast-spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. The primary vector of the disease is Aedes aegypti of the family Culicidae. It is a container breeder. Since a vaccine or a drug has not been developed against dengue, vector control appears to be the best method so far to control dengue. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of delayed mating on fecundity, fertility, life-history parameters, and longevity of Ae. aegypti, because such information can help formulate integrated vector control strategies involving the release of sub-fertile males into the environment. During this study, mating was delayed by 0, 2, 5, and 8 days after emergence. Males and females were separated by hand at the pupal stage using the apparent size difference of the sexes. The separated pupae were kept in separate cages until emergence. When mating was delayed for 8 days, the number of eggs laid by the female declined by 38%, and the percentage number of eggs that hatched reduced by 24%. However, the percentage of larval mortality, duration of the larval and pupal periods, and adult longevity were not significantly affected. The current results indicate that delayed mating has a negative effect on the reproductive performance of vector mosquitoes.