Influence of Developing Dirofilaria immitis on the Spontaneous Flight Activity of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Aedes aegypti (L.) (Black-eyed Liverpool) mosquitoes were infected with Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) to determine if larvae developing in Malpighian tubules have an effect on spontaneous flight activity. Studies using acoustic activity chambers showed that developing larvae decreased flight activity of mosquitoes after day 8 postinfection. Parasite intensity (burden) was inversely related to flight activity after day 12 postinfection. Circadian rhythm (activity pattern) of infected mosquitoes was similar to that of uninfected mosquitoes.