Discrimination of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) laboratory lines based on wing geometry.

ABSTRACT

Recent techniques of geometric morphometrics were applied to the study of four Thailand laboratory lines of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. These lines differed by their geographic origin and the number of generations spent in the laboratory. Using a phase contrast microscope, a set of sixteen landmarks of the wings could be identified. A subsequent Procrustean superposition analysis produced the corresponding size and shape variables which were statistically analyzed. Size showed a significant decrease with the number of generations spent in the laboratory. Shape allowed an almost perfect reclassification of the specimens. This tool is able to accurately distinguish different laboratory lines and will be useful in field studies related to entomological surveillance and vector control.