Influence of Fluctuating Temperatures on Morphometry of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquito 1

Abstract

Background and Objective: The thermal response of Culex quinquefasciatus to increase in temperature was investigated in this study, using techniques of morphometry. This was aimed at understanding the interplay between temperature and body size of all life stages of the mosquito species. Materials and Methods: First instar larvae of the species were reared at 28.00, 30.00, 32.00 and 34.00EC till adulthood. Body parts were measured at every life instar and stage. Volumes of fourth instar larvae and adult were also determined. Results: Generally, temperatures above 30.00EC significantly reduced the dimensions of the body parts, resulting in small-sized mosquitoes with reduced biological fitness indices. The body parts of the species responded differentially to the temperature changes. Conclusion: The study, thus, puts in clearer perspective, phenotypic plasticity of life stages of the species at different thermal conditions.