Seasonal variation in metabolic rate, flight activity and body size of Anopheles gambiae in the Sahel.

ABSTRACT: Malaria in Africa is vectored primarily by the Anopheles gambiae complex. Although the mechanisms of population persistence during the dry season are not yet known, targeting dry season mosquitoes could provide opportunities for vector control. In the Sahel, it appears likely that M-form A. gambiae survive by aestivation (entering a dormant state). To assess the role of eco-physiological changes associated with dry season survival, we measured body size, flight activity and metabolic rate of wild-caught mosquitoes throughout 1 year in a Sahelian locality, far from permanent water sources, and at a riparian location adjacent to the Niger River. We found significant seasonal variation in body size at both the Sahelian and riparian sites, although the magnitude of the variation was greater in

SUBMITTER: Huestis DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3359115 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature