Fauna of mosquito larvae [diptera: culicida] in Asir provence, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

An entomological survey was undertaken for one year to update the mosquito fauna of Asir Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 31 species of 8 genera were reported of which genus Culex [55%] was the most common. Most of collected larvae [59%] belonged to genus Culex [+ Lutzid] followed by Culiseta [26%], Anopheles [13%] and Aedine spp.[2%]. Cx. pipiens [39%] and Cs. longiareolata [26.%] were generally the most abundant of all collected larvae. Of the Anopheles spp., An. dthali was common [40%], of Culex spp., Cx. pipiens was predominating [66%] and of Aedine spp., St. aegypti was predominating [71%]. Four species: An.fluviatilis, Cx. mattinglyi, Cx. arbieeni and Cx. mimeticus were new reports in Asir Region and Cx. wigglesworthi recorded for the first time from the kingdom. Larvae were more common in low- and highlands than in the moderately altitude areas. In general all species prefer stagnant water but with the exception of Aedine larvae [altogether], the other species prefer presence of algae, vegetation and shade and absence of turbidity [except Culex spp.]. A total of 98 different forms of association were reported of which 9 forms were common. All genera breed year round with peaks of abundance during spring for Anopheles spp. and Culex spp. and during winter for Aedine spp. and Cs. longiareolata. A Complete list of mosquito fauna of Asir Region comprising 45 spp. was presented based on the present and previous surveys. The study concluded that the occurrence and prevalence of friosquito species mainly the disease vectors in Asir carry the thread of maintaining and transmission of several mosquito-borne diseases

Lactulose and donepezil ameliorate thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats

Hepatic encephalopathy [HE] is neuropsychological complication that is common in patients with acute or chronic liver disease as well as in porto-systemic shunting of blood flow. The pathophysiology of this disease is quite complex, as it involves overproduction and reduced metabolism of various neurotoxins, particularly ammonia. Thioacetamide [TAA]-induced HE is a reliable model of HE in which rats were given thioacetamide [TAA] 200mg/kg orally for 2 consecutive days. The TAA group showed lower motor activity than the normal group by using open field and forced swimming tests. Oxidative stress conditions were manifested by free radical production, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide contents. Alterations in the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters have been proposed to be involved in the development of the HE associated with experimental and human liver failure. Pretreatment with lactulose or donepezil could counteract these effects. The protective effect of both lactulose and donepezil can be attributed to their antioxidant and neuromodulatory potential

Population ecology of mosquitoes and the status of bancroftian filariasis in el Dakahlia governorate, the Nile Delta, Egypt

Mosquitoes were surveyed [Oct. 2010 and Apr. - Oct. 2011] in some localities representing 13 centers of El-Dakahlia Governorate. Six mosquito species were collected: Culex pipiens, Cx. antennatus, Cx. perexiguus, Ochlerotatus detritus, Anopheles pharoensis and An. tenebrosus. Culex pipiens was predominating [ca 79% larvae, 51% adults]. Culex antennatus and Cx. perexiguus were also common. Of the Four types of the breeding habitats, the drainage canals were the most productive [53.4% larvae]. For the three common species, the compiled larval density increases as water temp, increased and decreases as pH increased while adult indoor density increases as indoor and outdoor temp, and indoor RH increased and decreases as outdoor RH increased. Cx. pipiens significantly associated with Cx. antennatus [C[AB]=0.88 and I=0.48] while Cx. antennatus has a moderate association with Cx. perexiguus [C[AB]=0.47 and I=0.36]. Out of 908 examined blood samples from ten centers, 7.49% were infected with Wuchereria bancrofti. The highest infection rates in some centers were associated with high indoor densities of Cx. pipiens females, the main filariasis vector. The situation necessitates a wide vector control program to minimize lymphatic filariasis transmission in this Governorate

Geographical distribution and relative abundance of culicine mosquitoes in relation to transmission of lymphatic filariasis in El Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Culicine mosquito were surveyed in El Menoufia Governorate [October to November 2008 and April to May 2009] in villages representing eight districts. Six species were reported: Culex [Culex] pipiens Linnaeus, Cx. [Cx] perexiguus Theobald, Cx. [Cx.] antennatus [Becker], Aedes [Ochlerotatus] caspius [Pallas], Aedes [Ochlerotatus] detritus [Haliday] and Culiseta [Allotheobaldia] longiareolata [Macquart]. Cx. pipiens, the main filariasis vector was the commonest or predominating species [ca. 47% adults and 92% larvae, P<0.01]. For the common species, the following were investigated: 1-temperature and pH of the breeding habitats and their relation to the larval density and 2-relation of adult indoor density with indoor-and outdoor-temperature and RH. Besides, parasitologically, Wuchereria bancrofti cases [33/631 blood samples, 5.23%] were detected in three districts [range=1.96-14.12% infection]. The cases were associated with the abundance of Cx. pipiens adults [ca. 45-62% of the collected adults]

Mosquitoes [diptera: culicidae] in relation to the risk of disease transmission in el Ismailia Governorate, Egypt

Mosquito were surveyed [Nov. 2009 - March 2010] in El Ismailia Governorate. Nine species were reported: Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, Cx. antennatus, Anopheles tenebrosus, An. pharoensis, An. multicolor, Ochlerotatus detritus, Oc. cas-pius and Culiseta longiareolata. Culex pipiens was the predominant species [ca. 87% larvae and 57% adults]. For the 3 common species, Cx. pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, and Cx. antennatus the following were examined: [1] the type and characteristics [temperature and pH] of the breeding habitats and their relation to the larval density and [2] the relation of adult indoor density to the indoor and outdoor temperature and RH. The abundance of mosquito vectors in El Ismailia with its old history of vector transmitted diseases contributes to the risk of mosquito borne disease transmission in this area. This would assist in the control activities

Low dose gamma irradiation modifies the effect of L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder and green tea extract on doxorubicin-induced nephropathy in rats

The possible protective potential of exposure to low dose of gamma radiation in presence or absence of L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder or green tea extract was examined in the present study on doxorubicin [DOX]-induced experimental nephropathy in rats. Preliminary study was carried out to select the suitable dose of DOX to induce nephrotoxicity. In the current experiment 5 mg/kg, i.p. was selected as a single dose to induce nephrotoxicity during 15 days. The possible modulating effect of L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder or green tea extract on kidney function was examined. Animals were subdivided into three sets. Three groups of the 1[st] set were exposed to [gamma] radiation at a single dose level of 0.3 Gy then received DOX, 1, 3 or 7 days postirradiation respectively. The groups of 2[nd] set daily received L-carnitine [40 mg/kg, i.p.], curcumin [50 mg/kg, i.p.], garlic powder [100 mg/kg, p.o.] and green tea extract [300 mg/kg, p.o.] daily for two weeks before induction of nephropathy. Groups of the 3[rd] set received the same doses of drugs then were injected with DOX, 1, 3 or 7 days following gamma irradiation respectively. Two groups of animals, one of them received saline and served as normal and the other received DOX and served as nephropathic group were included in 1[st], 2[nd] as well as 3[rd] set. Fifteen days following DOX administration, serum was collected and the animals were then sacrificed. Serum creatinine, urea and uric acid were evaluated. Data revealed that, a single DOX dose [5 mg/kg] induced marked acute nephrotoxicity manifested as significant increase in the activities of serum creatinine, urea as well as uric acid. Interestingly, pre-exposure to gamma radiation at a dose level of 0.3 Gy, 1 or 3 days before DOX injection exhibited significant improvement in the above altered mentioned parameters. However, exposure to low dose radiation 7 days prior to DOX administration did not show a protective effect. Moreover, pretreatment with L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder or green tea extract in rats unexposed or exposed to gamma radiation before DOX administration ameliorated, to a great extent, the effects induced by DOX. The present findings suggest that exposure to a single low dose of gamma radiation [0.3 Gy] one day before DOX administration is a promising approach for maximizing the nephroprotective effects of L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder or green tea extract with minimal adverse effects of DOX

Influence of malt extract and marjoram oil on the neurobehavioral changes of scopolamine -induced demented rats

Dementia can result from Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, toxic insults and sleep disorder. Alzheimer's disease [AD] is a progresstve degenerative condition that represents the most common cause of dementia. Scopolamine is a reference substance for inducing Alzheimer-like cognitive deficits in both man and animals Donepezil hydrochloride is highly selective for the CNS and is used for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in Alzheimer's disease. Malt extract and marjoram oil are natural products used in folk medicine for the treatment of some psychiatric disorders. The present work aims to study the influence of malt extract and marjoram oil on the behavioral responses, cholinesterase activity, brain monoamines, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione of scopolamine induced demented rats. The results show that scopolamine decreased the ambulation and rearing frequencies in the open field test. Norepinephrine, dopamine and reduced glutathione contents were also decreased. However, cholinesterase activity and malondialdehyde content were increased significantly. Treatment of demented rats with donepezil, malt extract or marjoram oil individually could normalize the effect of scopolamine on these measured parameters. Data revealed that malt extract and marjoram oil could play an important role in treatment of demented rats by improving the changed behavioral parameters, altered brain neurotransmitters, cholinesterase activity and oxidative biomarkers

Study on the psychotherapeutic potential of marjoram oil on clonidine-induced depressed rats

Depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer. It interferes with a person's ability to participate in normal activities. Depression affects a person's thoughts and behavior as well as mood. The use of herbal medicine in psychiatry practice has increased tremendously in the past decade due to its fewer side effects and it can enhance the effects of conventional agents or be an alternative treatment. Marjoram is considered one of the most common herbs of Lamiaceae family. The therapeutic properties of marjoram oil are analgesic, antioxidant, calms nerves, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, hypotensive and sedative. This work aims to investigate the effect of marjoram oil on the brain neurotransmitters of clonidine-induced depressed rats as well as their behavioral responses using open field and forced swimming tests. The results show that marjoram oil treatment normalized the brain neurotransmitters content, the latency period and ambulation frequency in clonidine depressed rats. A decrease in the immobility time and an increase in the struggling time were observed in the forced swimming test. Treatment with fluoxetine or marjoram oil of the depressed rats decrease malondialdehyde content and increase the reduced glutathione content. It can be conclude that marjoram oil could play an important role in treatment of depression and alter behavior

Effect of malt extract on the neuron-behavioral changes in clonidine-induced depressed rats

Depression is a serious disorder that represents a major public disease often associated with symptoms at the psychological and physiological levels. Herbs and herbs-derived products have attracted much attention in relation to prevention of many diseases including psychiatric illnesses. Their therapeutic potential has been assessed in a variety of animal models, and the mechanisms of action have been investigated through neurochemical approaches. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible antidepressant effects of malt extract using the open field and forced swimming tests and evaluation of brain neurotransmitters and oxidative stress biomarkers in the clonidine-induced depressed rats. Clonidine hydrochloride [0.8mg/kg] was injected intraperitoneally into rats daily for seven days in order to induce depression. Brain contents of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine as well as malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione were estimated. Effect of the antidepressant drug fluoxetine was also studied. Malt extract normalized the clonidine-induced altered behavior in the open field and forced swimming tests. Malt extract as well as fluoxetine normalized the reduced brain serotonin and dopamine contents winle fluoxetine increased the brain content of norepinephrine in the clonidine-induced depressed rats. In addition, both malt extract and fluoxetine normalized the altered oxidative biomarkers. The behavioral and biochemical results revealed that malt extract may have antidepressant activity which may he mediated through changes in the brain neurotransmitters and oxidative stress biomarkers

Climatic factors influencing the abundance of Phle-botomus papatasi [Scopoli] [diptera: Psychodidae] in the Nile Delta

Ecological studies on sand flies were carried out in two villages of the Nile Delta Governorates namely; Kafr Tahla [Qalyubiya] and el Quantara el Beida [Kafr el-Sheikh] from September 2003 to August 2005. Sand flies were collected weekly from around houses, stables and near rodent burrows using sticky paper traps. A total of 9529 sand flies were collected from the two villages, all of which were identified as Phlebotomus papatasi. Sand fly activity started from April to December with a bimodal annual pattern. The sex ratio of collected sand flies was significantly male biased. Data analyses revealed that sand fly densities were strongly correlated to temperature but not to relative humidity or wind velocity. Variation in the densities of P. papatasi in both villages did not show a significant effect due to lunar phases. However, sand fly activity was highly positively correlated to fraction illumination

radioprotective efficiency of combined administration of natural antioxidants [rutin and vitamin e] and a sulfhydryl compound in irradiated rats

In the present study, the radioprotective effects of natural antioxidants, rutin alone, vitamin E alone or both of them combined with a synthetic radioprotector, cysteine, have been investigated in irradiated rats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress biomarkers and certain liver function tests of the whole body irradiated rats were examined. The effect of irradiation was evaluated by exposing the whole body of rats to gamma radiation at acute single dose of 6.5 Gy. Rutin [1.064 mmol/kg] was daily administered orally for two weeks before irradiation, vitamin E [50 mg/100g] was injected intraperitoneally daily for seven days before irradiation, while, cysteine [30 mg/kg] was intra-peritoneally administered 30 mm. only before irradiation. Blood and liver malondialdehyde [MDA], glutathione [GSH] and plasma superoxide dismutase [SOD] levels were evaluated. Serum aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activities were also measured in various groups. The data revealed deleterious damage of radiation exposure which was manifested as a significant increase in lipid peroxidation measured as MDA. On the other hand, the activity of SOD and the level of GSH were reduced after irradiation. In addition, the activities of serum ALP, AST and ALT were markedly elevated after radiation exposure. Administration of rutin or vitamin E alone or combined with cysteine before radiation provided a protective effect as measured by the tested parameters. It could be concluded that treatment with the natural antioxidants can control radiation-induced oxidative damage in the biological system. This study indicates that the use of combination of agents is a promising approach for maximizing radioprotection with minimal adverse effects. Administration of cysteine iucreases the radioprotective effects of rutin and vitamin E against the damaging effects of ionizing radiation

Study of the radioprotective efficiency of combined administration of cysteine and natural antioxidants [rutin and vitamin E] in feverish irradiated rats

In the present experiments, a study of the radioprotective effects of natural antioxidants, rutin alone, vitamin E alone or each of them combined with synthetic radioprotector, cysteine, have been investigated in feverish irradiated rats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress biomarkers of the feverish whole body irradiated rats were examined. The data revealed deleterious damage of radiation exposure which was manifested as significant increase in lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde [MDA]. On the other hand, the activity of plasma superoxide dismutase [SOD] and the blood level of glutathione [GSH] were reduced after irradiation. Effect of hyperthermia on oxidative stress biomarkers in rats were studied in this work and data showed that the increase in body temperature intensified lipid peroxidation processes where MDA in plasma and liver homogenate was increased, GSH level in blood and liver homogenate was also increased while plasma SOD activity was reduced. Effect of rutin alone, vitamin E alone or each of them combined with cysteine on oxidative stress biomarkers in hyperthermic irradiated rats was investigated. Results indicated that, pretreatment with vitamin E and rutin alone or combined with cysteine before the onset of hyperthermia significantly attenuated fever-induced increase in free radical formation and lipid peroxidation. Radiation exposure at acute single dose of 6.5 Gy did not change the body temperature when measured on the 3[rd] day following exposure. In order to determine any antipyretic effect of the drugs used, the body temperature of each animal was measured before induction of hyperthermia as well as 18 hours following yeast injection. Rats were treated with the tested drugs before induction of fever then exposed to whole body gamma radiation at acute single dose of 6.5 Gy and body temperature of each animal was measured 3 days after irradiation. Only rutin had an antipyretic effect in yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats

Influence of exposure to vapour of certain pyrethroids household mosquito repellant preparations on the neurobehavioral action of fluoxetin in rats

The environment includes increasing number of synthetic chemical compounds that cause environmental contamination . One of the most popular contaminating compounds are pyrethroids insecticides .Therefore, their wide spread use in agriculture and puplic health stimulated our attention for studying their possible toxic effect[s] on drug action .Fluoxetine is a selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake which is widely used as an antidepressant . The aim of this work was to study the effect of inhalational exposure to vapour of two commonly used mosquito repellant preparations containing pyrethroids on the neurobehavioural action of fluoxetine . Sprague Dawley adult male rats were allocated into 3 main groups namely, control, and Ezalo and Ragon exposed groups .Exposure was performed 20 mm/day for 7 days in a static chamber . Twenty four hours later, i.p injection of fluoxetine [10 mg/kg] was performed . Contents of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine were determined in differtent brain regions one hour after fluoxetine injection . Behavioural parameters were also determined using open field and swimming test techniques.The obtained results showed that pre-exposure to Ezalo vapour induced significant increase in ambulation and rearing frequencies, while pre-exposure to Ragon vapour induced significant increase in ambulation, grooming and rearing frequencies as compared to fluoxetine-treated animals . Contents of serotonin and dopamine were also significantly altered in most brain regions .The obtained changes in the neurobehavioural parameters may be due to the effect[s] of pyrethroids and or the accompanying substances present in the mosquito repellant preparations on the biotransformation of fluoxetine

GIS-based prediction of malaria risk in Egypt

Environmental variables in a malaria geographic information system [GIS] database were analysed to discriminate between governorates at high and low risk of malaria. Only Fayoum governorate was categorized as a high risk area for malaria during the last 2 decades. Discriminant models correctly classified 96.3% of the risk categories and indicated that the most important predictor of risk is hydrogeology. Further GIS spatial analysis indicated that the high malaria risk in Fayoum is associated with a unique environmental envelope of biotic [presence of both efficient malaria vectors] and abiotic [hydrogeology and soil] variables. Recommendations for surveillance and control are discussed

Bicarbonate versus acetate dialysate in long term haemodialysis: impact on acid-base status, delivered Kt/V and protein nutritional status. A prospective crossover study

We selected 40 cases of chronic renal failure [CRF] [25 males and 15 females] on thrice weekly haemodialysis [HD] using acetate for at least 1 year before study onset. All cases were allowed unrestricted protein intake starting one month before they were randomly divided into 2 groups matched for age, gender, body weight [BW] and socioeconomic status, Group 1 were shifted to bicarbonate dialysis while Group 2 patients were kept on acetate dialysis for 3 months then cross over was done for the following 3 months. Both biocarnonate and acetate were used at a fixed concentration of 36 mmol/L. Prescribed Kt/V was kept constant throughout the 6 months. Pre and post dialysis [Dx] blood pH and serum bicarbonate [Sbic].predialysis serum prealbumin [Spalb], and transferring [Stf], triceps skin fold thickness [TSF], mid arm muscle circumference [MAMC] as well as protein catabolic rate [PCR and nPCR] and urea reduction ratio [URR] were estimated at the onset and at the end of each 3 month period. Delivered kt/V was estimated from URR. Pre Dx Sbic and pH were significantly higher during bicarbonate dialysis compared to acetate dialysis [p<0.001]. Spalb increased significantly in Group 1 during bicarbonate and decreased significantly during acetate dialysis [p<0.00011 and 0.06,respectively] while in Group 2 it increased significantly in both periods [p<0.05 and 0.004.respectively]. Stf didn't show any significant change throughout the study. TSF, MAC and MAMC increased significantly in Group 1 during bicarhonate dialysis and decreased significantly during acetate dialysis [p<0.001,0.02.0.001,0.05,0.004 and 0.03,respectively for TSF, MAC and MAMC at 0,3 months and MAMC at 0,3 months and 6 months] while in Group 2 they did not change during acetate dialysis and increased significantly during bicarbonate dialysis [p<0.05,<0.002.>0.05, <0.03, >0.05 and <0.05, respectively]. nPCR increased significantly in Group 1 during bicarbonate dialysis and did not change during acetate dialysis [p<0.001 and >0.05, respectively] while in Group 2 nPCR did not change during acetate dialysis and increased significantly during bicarbonate dialysis [p>0.05 and >0.05, respectively]. Although prescribed Kt/V did not change throughout the study, delivered Kt/V increased significantly in Group 1 during bicarbonate dialysis and decreased significantly during acetate dialysis [p<0.001 and < 0.02, respectively]. In Group 2 delivered Kt/V did not change during acetate dialysis and increased significantly during bicarbonate dialysis [p>0.5 and <0.0001, respectively]. Conclusions: 1. Bicarbonate dialysis offers better blood pH and Sbic levels 2. Optimized serum pH and bicarbonate offers improvement in protein intake evidenced by increased nPCR associated with improved protein anabolism as evidenced by increased Spalb, TSF, MAC and MAMC. 3. Increased delivered Kt/V is likely due to better patient compliance during bicarbonate haemodialysis

Comparative study of xylocaine, detomidine, ketamine and xylazine for epidural analgesia in goats

A total of 40 buffaloes [8 primiparous and 32 multiparous] were used to study the physiological changes related to the last stage of pregnancy and processes of parturition. Animals were kept under careful observation and examination. Blood samples were collected at the last stage of pregnancy, 12-72 and 1-12 hours prepartum, parturition, and at post partum. Plasma were separated for determination of oestradiol 17 C and corticol hormones as well as glucose and total protein and fractions. The periods of first, second and third stages of labour in primiparous buffaloes were 4.72 +/- 1.17, 1.22 +/- 0.20 and 5.28 +/- 1.92 hours and in pleuparous buffaloes were 3.22 +/- 2.08, 0.85 +/- 0.44 and 4.95 +/- 1.10 hours respectively. The plasma levels of oestradiol 17 C and cortisol were gradually increased on approaching of parturition, reaching their maximum values at 1-12 hr. pre-partum and during parturition, while the lowest values were recorded after parturtion. In Egyptian buffaloes, average values of plasma glucose were significantly higher during parturition than that during last stage of pregnancy and pre-partum. Clinical signs and behavioural traits were also recorded. It could be concluded that the processes of parturition in buffaloes were nearly similar to these of cows

Radiographical study on the time of complete post-natal union of the ossification loci of the bones of the elbow joint in Egyptian buffalo Bubalus

The bones of the elbow joint of the Egyptian buffalo were examined radiographically to determine their ossification loci. This work recorded that there are five separate centers [three of them are located on the distal epiphysis of the humerus, the medial epicondyle, lateral epicondyle and the humeral condyles, while the other two centers are located on the radius and ulna at the proximal epiphysis of the ulna and proximal epiphysis of the radius]. The ossification loci of humeral condyles were fused at the age of 6 months and the proximal epiphysis of the radius were completely fused at the age of 8 months, while that of the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus were fused at the age of 1.5 year. The last ossification locus has been fused was the proximal epiphysis of the ulna at the age of six years old

ecological characteristics of anopheles mosquitoes associated with low malaria transmission in Siwa Oasis, Egypt

The ecology of Anopheles sergentii and an multicolor was investigated over eight months to examine the entomological factors maintaining the low plasmodium vivax transmission in Siwa oasis. The two species were encountered as larva while the dominant species, Anopheles sergentii was also collected as adults. Breeding sites were characterized for the two species in six localities. Larvae of both species were common during June and November. In Bahi El Din as an indicator village with a higher endemicity, an sergentii females were endophilic but more common inside animal sheds than in houses, attracted more to donkey-baited traps than to human hosts, more endophagic as human biters and were more common in May/June and November. Female survivor hip was higher in November than in the other months. Vector potential of an sergentii was predicted and revealed that the species characteristics [low human contact, short survival and zoophilic feeding behaviour] are responsible for maintaining such low and unstable malaria in Siwa oasis

Comparison of the life table characteristics of anopheles sergentii [diptera: culicidae] from two malarious areas in Egypt

Life table characteristics were examined for the malaria vector, an sergentii from two Faiyum villages: Tersa [T] and El Nazlah [N] and from Siwa oasis [Sw] under constant laboratory conditions at 25°C and 70% RH. Females of T, N and Sw completed 4, 5, and 2 gonotrophic cycles [gc] respectively. The first gc required a significantly longer period [p < 0.05] than the subsequent ones. Development times for Sw immatures were longer [p < 0.05] than for the other colonies. Life expectancies at emergence for males of the 3 colonies were significantly shorter than for their respective females. Generation time was shorter [p < 0.05] for T [mean = 31.15 days] than for Sw [37.81 days] or N [43.64 days] colonies. The birth rate of Sw colony [mean 0.33 o+ o+/o+] was significantly higher [p < 0.05] than those of the other colonies. The other biological parameters: fecundity, egg hatch times and rates, survivorship from egg eclosion to adult emergence, male and survivorships, net reproductive rate, -intrinsic rate of increase all showed no colony variations. The study concluded that variation among colonies in certain biological aspects may not reflect strain differences