A possible effect of the phenoloxidase level on developmental stages of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), a vector of dengue and chikungunya in Thar desert, India

Abstract

Phenoloxidase (PO) plays an important role in various physiological functions in insects, e.g., cuticular sclerotization, egg tanning, wound healing and immune response against pathogens and parasites. This study reports on the PO activity in laboratory reared and field collected mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, showing its decline from the larval to pupal and adult stages. The field collected specimens had a significantly higher PO level than their laboratory reared counterparts. The PO activity in the field collected larvae was found to be higher than in the corresponding laboratory reared specimens. The rate of pupation among the field collected mosquitoes was significantly higher than among the laboratory reared mosquitoes at different holding periods. Similarly, the PO activity in the field collected pupae was higher than in the laboratory reared ones. A higher rate of adult emergence was recorded in the field collected material at 24h and 48h of holding. Therefore, a positive correlation between the production and regulation of PO and the rate of molting has been suggested.

Cite as: Mohanty, S. S., Kumar, N., Kanojia, P. C. & Singh, K. V. 2018. A possible effect of the phenoloxidase level on developmental stages of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), a vector of dengue and chikungunya in Thar desert, India. Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (1): 7–15.

http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1169354

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6F709D1D-4EF0-409D-9228-FBE5FB113816