Effects of Temperature and Parental Age on the Life Cycle of the Body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus

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Abstract
DDT-resistant and nonresistant strains of the body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus L., were reared at 32.2°, 30.8°, or 29.4°C. The most favorable temperatures for the former and latter strains were 29.4° and 32.2° C, respectively. Lice of each strain lived longer and produced more eggs when reared at the lower temperature; however, the percentage of viable eggs was significantly lower in the nonresistant as compared to the resistant strain. Parental age had no effect on the duration of the preimaginal stages, or on the mean duration of the adult life of either strain. However, some individuals lived 4–6 days longer when eggs were selected from young as compared to those from old parents. The strains died during the 1st and 2nd generations when eggs were selected from the 1st and 2nd batches laid. Likewise, only 2–4 successive generations could be reared when eggs were selected from old parents (17th- and 18th-day batches). Offspring from resistant young parents reared at 29.4°C showed an initial increase in egg production. This increase did not occur in offspring from old parents. Parental age had no effect on the number of molts; however, molting was delayed 1 day in the offspring from old parents. Generally, all effects resulting from the age of parents were better demonstrated with lice reared at the lowest temperature.

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