Laboratory colonization of Anopheles pseudopunctipennis (Diptera: Culicidae) without forced mating

Abstract

Anopheles pseudopunctipennis is one of the main malaria vectors in the Andean regions of South America. Few experimental data exist on this species because it is not very available in laboratories due to its eurygamic status that makes colony maintenance difficult. Indeed, individuals do not mate in the confined space of insectary cages. To avoid this problem, forced artificial mating can be used. However, this technique is time consuming, requires a well-trained technician, and is inadequate for easy mass production, which is sometimes necessary for certain experimental works. This study presents a technique based on exposure of adult mosquitoes to a blue stroboscopic light for 20 min during several nights, which encourages them to copulate naturally under laboratory conditions. After some generations, a self-free-mating strain was obtained. The technique is simple, inexpensive and is probably effective whatever the An. pseudopunctipennis strain considered.