Effects of temperature on the development of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) from desert and coastal regions of India

Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895), the Asian tiger mosquito extended globally in just a few decades from Asia showing great adaptability despite temperature-dependent development. The present study revealed the effects of temperature (20 degree celsius, 26 degree celsius, 30 degree celsius, and 35 degree celsius) on various developmental parameters of Ae. albopictus strains belonging to the desert (Jodhpur, Rajasthan) and the coastal (Kolkata, West Bengal) regions of India. The desert strain developed faster from eggs-adult emergence (7.5 days at 35 degree celsius and 14.0 days at 20 degree celsius) than the coastal strain (7.8 days at 35 degree celsius and 16.8 days at 20 degree celsius). The survival was highest and lowest at 26 degrees C and 35 degree celsius, respectively, irrespective of strains and stages. The larval survival trends of both strains were similar to pupae across the temperature range. The wing length of the desert strain was shorter in comparison to the coastal strain. Wing length was found inversely proportional to the temperature being longest at 20 degree celsius and the shortest at 35 degree celsius for both strains. Male and female wing lengths were larger (25% and 22.7% in the Jodhpur strain and 24.6% and 23.6% in the Kolkata strain) at 20 degree celsius compared to 35 degree celsius, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the male-female sex ratio in the coastal strain. The outcomes of the study suggest consideration of temperature impact on immature developmental attributes that might help in the refining of control measures and a better understanding of ecological adaptations in contrast to ecological conditions.