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Infection levels of Coelomomyces punctatus, an aquatic fungus parasite, in a natural population of the common malaria mosquito, Anopheles quadrimaculatus

1970; Elsevier BV; Volume: 15; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0022-2011(70)90174-6

1096-0805

Clyde J. Umphlett,

Mosquito-borne diseases and control

Abstract Data on the levels of infection of a natural population of the common malaria mosquito, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, by the aquatic fungus pathogen, Coelomomyces punctatus, were gathered during three growing seasons of the host in University Lake, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A downward trend in annual levels of infection was noted. Of the larvae taken in 1966, 36.5% were infected; in 1967, 26.2% contained the fungus; and 10.4% were diseased in 1968. During 1968, the total number of larvae was slightly higher and occurred much earlier in the season than in the two previous years. Less control of the mosquito population by the fungus in 1968 was apparent. More larvae were produced at the study site in July than in August throughout the 3 years, but a higher level of infection was noted in samples taken in August than in July. Fourth-instar larvae were infected at a higher percentage than were all the lesser instars combined. It is possible that the longer period of time in which many diseased larvae remain in the fourth instar before death or pupation contributed to the higher incidence of the disease in this late larval stage. Coelomomyces may contribute to the control of mosquito populations by causing mortality of the insects and also by causing infected insects to remain in larval stages for extended periods, thereby subjecting the larvae to more chances for destruction by forces other than the fungus.