Development of Immature Culicoides mississippiensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Laboratory1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Laboratory investigations were conducted to determine the fecundity of blood fed females, the effects of constant temperature on development of immature stages, and the presence of autogeny in Culicoides mississippiensis Hoffman. Average fecundity of blood-fed females was 35 eggs per female. A positive seasonal correlation between fecundity and wing length was established (range, 32 to 38 eggs per female for females with wing lengths of 1.06 to 1.3 mm). The mean number of eggs which hatched per female was 10.33. Development of immature stages was studied at five constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C), and was successful at 15, 20, and 25°C. Development times were inversely related to temperature. The optimal temperature for rearing was 20°C. Complete development at this temperature required a total of 57 days.