The influence of larval density on triacylglycerol content in Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Given the importance of Aedes aegypti as an arbovirus vector, understanding the impact of population density during larval development is fundamental to improve control methods. The aims of this study were to analyze the effects of larval density on the triacylglycerol (TAG) reserves, fecundity, and the size of mosquitos. To evaluate the influence of density on the amount of TAG in the different stages of development of A. aegypti, the larvae were reared in densities of 0.04, 0.32, and 0.8 larvae/ml, represented by D1, D2, and D3, respectively. Larval rearing density affected the amount of TAG in the different developmental stages of this insect. The group reared with the highest population density (D3) presented greater storage of TAG, except when analyzing the amount of TAG μg/protein in the fat body of blood-fed females. In addition, it was possible to observe higher resistance to fasting and a greater number of eggs laid. Insects reared in D2 and D3 were larger than those in the D1 group. This study provides interesting data for future investigations on how the density of larval rearing affects the lipid metabolism for synthesis and mobilization of TAG stored in A. aegypti and how it influences size and reproduction.Fil: Silva, Elaine R. M. N.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Santos, Luan V.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Caiado, Matheus S.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Hastenreiter, Luana S. N.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Fonseca, Sabrina R. R.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Carbajal de la Fuente, Ana Laura. Dirección Nacional de Institutos de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud. Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Endemo-epidémicas; Argentina. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia. Departamento de Investigación; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Carvalho, Mario G.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Pontes, Emerson G.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Brasi