The effect of temperature on the development, growth and survival of Psorophora columbiae (Dyar and Knab) (Diptera: Culicidae) : a thesis /
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[College Station, Tex.] :
[Texas A&M University],
[1982]
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT: The effect of temperature on the development rate, growth and survival of Psorphora columbiae (Dyar and Knab) was studied by rearing immature mosquitoes at ten constant temperatures - 16°, 19°, 22°, 26°, 29°, 32°, 34°, 35°, 36° and 39°C. The purpose was to aid field workers in predicting emergence of adult mosquitoes, and to provide some basic information for future population models. Additionally, the development curve was described using a recently developed model based on chemical kinetics.Development rates increased with increasing temperature up to a peak at 34°C. At this temperature, development from eclosion to 50% adult emergence required only 4.5 days. Increases in temperature above 34°C resulted in a decrease in the development rate. The development rate model predicted the observed development rates not only along the linear region at mid range temperatures, but also along the nonlinear region at high temperatures with a high degree of accuracy (r² = .99). A significant increase in size, as indicated by head capsule width measurements was seen with decreasing temperature. This trend was most evident in the 4th larval instar where mean widths ranged from 1.192mm at 36°C to 1.382mm at 19°C. Survival from eclosion to emergence was highest in the range from 26°C (87%) to 34°C (93%). Above and below this range, survival dropped off dramatically to 1% at 39°C and 34% at 16°C. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major Subject: Entomology." "Submitted to the Graduate College of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science May 1982". |
| Physical Description: | ix, 69 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-68). |