46

■Bio-mathematics, Statistics and Nano-Technologies: Mosquito Control Strategies

a) Aedes albopictus

b) Culex spp

Figure 4.3: a. larvae of Aedes albopictus and b. of Culex spp.

comma-shaped body divisible into two distinct regions. The front region consists of the

head and thorax (cephalothorax) and is greatly enlarged. It bears a pair of respiratory trum-

pets on the upper surface (Figure 4.4 a, 4.4 b). It must periodically come to the surface to

get oxygen. The second region is the abdomen which has freely-movable segments with

a pair of paddle-like appendages at the tip. Feeding does not take place during the pupal

stage. The pupal stage only lasts for a few days and is the stage when all the larval tissues

change into the adult tissues. The adult emerges directly from the pupal case on the sur-

face of the water (fmel.ifas.ufl.edu/key/anatomy/pupae.shtml, Harbach

& Knight 1980, Jorge 2001).

4.3.4

Adults stage of mosquitos

The adult mosquito (Figure 4.5) is entirely terrestrial and is capable of flying long

distances. Both females and males feed on nectars which they use for energy. Males and

females mate during the first 3 to 5 days after they have emerged. Females mate only once.

Males generally live for only a week. Only the females feed on blood, which is what is oc-

a) Aedes albopictus

b) Anopheles spp.

Figure 4.4: Pupae of a. Aedes albopictus and b. Anopheles spp.