Comparison of Biological Attributes of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations from India

Understanding the population dynamics of mosquito populations through life table analysis and insecticide susceptibility is important to assess the likely impact of vector control strategies as well as to aid the design of novel interventions. Variation in the life tables and other biological data was compared for two populations of Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823 from geographically isolated regions, Gorakhpur and Pune from India. Under a standardized rearing regime and constant laboratory conditions, mosquitoes were reared and biological attributes of these populations were compared. Development and survival of immature and adult stages of Culex quinquefasciatus were found significantly different in Gorakhpur and Pune populations. Principal component analysis of morphological data revealed that the two populations form significantly different clusters which can be differentiated from each other based on siphon, saddle, anal gills, and pecten teeth related variables. Insecticide susceptibility results suggest that the larvae from both areas were more susceptible to deltamethrin as compared to DDT and malathion. The current study provides baseline information on survivorship, morphological variation and insecticide susceptibility of Culex quinquefasciatus. The results obtained in this study suggest that different geographical areas with contrasting habitats have significant influence on survival and reproductive strategies of Culex quinquefasciatus. 1. Introduction Feasible mosquito intervention strategies require in-depth knowledge of the population dynamics and insecticide susceptibility status. To better understand the population dynamics of the vector species, understanding the parameters such as development time, rate of survival, and fecundity of particular importance. A life table describes the development, survival, and fecundity of a cohort and provides basic data on population growth parameters. Life table study also provide, concise information on inherent differences in the survivorship and reproductive strategies of populations under different ecological regimes [1] and can help in explaining why certain species proliferate in particular environments. Culex quinquefasciatus Say is a cosmopolitan mosquito species found in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. Cx. quinquefasciatus acts as a vector of filarial worms [2, 3], protozoan parasites [4], and various arboviruses [5–9]. In India, Cx. quinquefasciatus is the principal vector of bancroftial filariasis [10]. Rapid urbanization and industrialization without proper drainage