Dietary and genetic control of the expression of autogenous reproduction in Aedes atropalpus (Coq.) (Diptera: Culicidae).

Abstract

Both genetic and dietary factors influence autogenous reproduction in Aedes atropalpus . Although the complete absence of adult food does not influence the expression of autogeny, quantitative changes in larval diet can affect both the penetrance and expression, with the type and intensity of the response also dependent on the genome of the mosquito. Autogenous egg production in 2 strains of A. alropalpus was comparable to that of blood-fed females of 3 anautogenous strains. F1 hybrids of crosses between these 2 types of strains, although autogenous, produced significantly fewer eggs. When reared on decreased larval food levels, both the penetrance and expression of autogeny were reduced in these F1 hybrids, while in a pure autogenous strain only the expression was reduced. Genetic and dietary factors interact in such a way that if growth of a follicle beyond the diapause stage was initiated, complete maturation was accomplished, usually during the first 72 hr after emergence.