Buoyancy Variation and Reduction in Aedes Aegypti Pupae (Diptera: Culicidae)1

Abstract

Most pharate pupae of Aedes aegypti forced to ecdyse in inverted tubes and attach to an inverted air-water interface (at 23 ± 2°C) were permanently less buoyant than pupae ecdysing at an upright interface. This is apparently due to reduced ventral air space gas volume. A mechanism which accounts for both temporary and permanent changes in pupal buoyancy and the possible adaptive significance of this mechanism are discussed.