The effect of illumination power, size of holding cages and rearing density on the development and reproduction of anopheles minimus theobald, 1901

ABSTRACT

Experiments were carried out on free mating An. minimus strain in the laboratory. Under condition of illumination power at 200-220 lux the rates of larvae developed to pupae and to adults were 62.7% and 59.3%, respectively. The mean life span of the males was shorter than that of females. At optimum rearing density of one mosquito per 1.3 cm2 of a vertical side of holding cage the inseminated rate was 72% and mean number of eggs was 145 per female. The size of 30 x 30 x 30 cm of holding cages and illumination power at 200 lux seemed to be suitable for efficient mating of An. minimus