Larval development of Simulium (Chirostilbia) pertinax (Diptera: Simuliidae) in an artificial breeding site

Abstract

This study aimed to observe the influence of different concentrations of nutrients over the period of development of Simulium (Chirostilbia) pertinax larvae. Were collected Simulium pertinax engorged females and then subjected to oviposition under stress. The eggs were removed and transported to an artificial breeding site, in which two alimentary supplements were compared, viz. algae and yeast in different concentrations. Few variations of abiotic factors were observed during the study, and they were within the standards of the S. (C.) pertinax species. Regarding the rate of pupae formation, a higher concentration of 5 ml of algae + 10 ml of yeast was observed, with significant differences in concentrations of 10 ml of algae and 10 ml of algae and 5 ml of yeast. In tests with 5ml of algae, 10 ml of yeast, and 5 ml of yeast, the end of larval development was not obtained in all replications. The small variation of abiotic factors is consistent with results of other authors, and the values observed in this experiment can be regarded as appropriate when compared to the standards required by this species. Use of seaweed, with or without other elements, for breeding in the laboratoryhas been made by several authors, as well as use of yeast. When S. (C.) pertinax were fed only with culture of algae, larval survival was up to 43 days, and, on the other hand, when fed with yeast broth they did not reach the complete larval development.

Key words: Simulium (Chirostilbia) pertinax, larvae development period, larval feeding.