Effect of Water Balance and Age on Spiracular Behavior in Aedes
Abstract
The behavior of the thoracic spiracles in female Aedes triseriatus was studied as a function of age. Duration of spiracular opening in air declined with sample age; in response to 0.5% CO2, both amplitude and duration of opening declined; frequency of spiracular opening was not related to age. Aspects of feeding behavior were observed and related to spiracular behavior in A. triseriatus and A. aegypti. In the former species there was diurnal weight loss; in both species inclusion of 0.2 M KCl in 0.3 M sucrose solution led to a reduction in the amount of fluid imbibed. Spiracular opening became conservative in A. triseriatus but not in A. aegypti when KCl was included in the diet. A. aegypti engorged to a greated extent than A. triseriatus and shwed less conservative spiracular behavior. The course of starvation was more rapid in A. triseriatus than in A. aegypti; the rate of water loss in the former was four times that in the latter. Both species showed increasingly conservative spiracular behavior as starvation proceeded.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0872691
Entities
People
- Charles L. Graham
- Elliot S. Krafsur