Comparison of egg size and related life-history characteristics for two predaceous tree-hole mosquitoes (Toxorhynchites)

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Abstract
Certain life-history characteristics of Toxorhynchites brevipalpis and Tx. rutilus septentrionalis were compared in the laboratory with the aim of accounting for a more than twofold difference in the weight of their eggs. First- and second-instar larvae of Tx. rutilus were longer and third-instar larvae shorter than corresponding stages of Tx. brevipalpis. The sizes of the two species did not differ appreciably in the later stages. Toxorhynchites rutilus first-instar larvae consumed more prey but total prey consumption was much greater for Tx. brevipalpis due to differences in consumption during the fourth instar. Developmental times from egg to adult did not differ at 25 °C. Toxorhynchites brevipalpis produced twice as many eggs per day during the first 14 days of oviposition but, due to size differences, the weight of the eggs produced per day was equal for the two species. Female Tx. brevipalpis laid an average of 5.9 eggs per oviposition flight. A corresponding value for Tx. rutilus was not determined. Newly hatched Tx. brevipalpis larvae withstood starvation for a longer period of time than Tx. rutilus larvae. Larval Tx. rutilus captured and consumed larger prey.It is hypothesized that egg size and fecundity are adapted to prey size and heterogeneity in prey availability in the natural environments of the two species.

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