Effects of Age and Thermal Acclimation on the Selected Temperature and Thermal Resistance of Culcid and Simuliid Larvae (Diptera)

Abstract

Black-fly larvae, and mosquito larvae and pupae, are shown to select certain temperature ranges when given a choice in a linear gradient. Larval age has little effect on the temperature selected, but pupae are tolerant of higher temperatures than larvae. The significance of this observation is discussed. The temperature selected is affected by the previous thermal history of the insect, although acclimation to the ambient temperature may be rapid. The final selected temperature of fourth-instar Aedes aegypti larvae was determined. Rearing temperature has a profound effect on the thermal resistance of Aedes aegypti exposed to high temperatures.