Cross-insemination frequencies between strains of Aedes albopictus and members of the Aedes scutellaris group.

Abstract

Cross-breeding experiments between strains of Aedes albopictus from Hawaii and Poona, India, and between A. albopictus and A. polynesiensis from Samoa, Tahiti, and Taiaro revealed the existence of differences in the frequency of cross-insemination. The Hawaiian A. albopictus males inseminated fewer A. polynesiensis females of all 3 strains than did the Poona males. The Tahitian A. polynesiensis females were inseminated less frequently by both kinds of A. albopictus than were the Samoan and Taiaro females. A. albopictus males did not inseminate A. pseudoscutellaris females, or females of the Bangkok scutellaris group species, although there were frequent attempts at copulation, many of which appeared to be successful. The A. albopictus strains are interfertile, as are at least 2 of the A. polynesiensis strains. Although these populations are, respectively, members of one species, the cross-breeding experiments reveal the existence of biological differences between them. Differences in cross-insemination, as well as in receptivity of females of local populations within a species, may be of importance in attempts to utilize cross-insemination sterility in genetic control.