Reproductive bioecology of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) darlingi Root (1926) (Diptera: Culicidae), the main vector of malaria in the Peruvian Amazon Basin

Anopheles darlingi is an efficient vector of malaria parasites in the Peruvian Amazon; thus, it has an essential role in public health in this tropical region. It is important to successfully rear this species for research studies that will ultimately provide improved control of this mosquito, and that will also help to reduce human incidence of malaria. However, it is difficult to colonize An. darlingi, because little is known about the patterns of natural reproduction and adaptability in a confined laboratory setting in a tropical environment. To study the reproductive bioecology of An. darlingi in two different environmental conditions, two insectaries were established in the Amazonian city of Iquitos in north-eastern Peru: one as an outdoor (field) insectary, and one as an indoor (laboratory) insectary. Life-cycle data was collected for periods of oogenesis, the gonadotrophic cycle. Additionally, the relationship of photoperiod to oviposition, and some patterns of copulation and fertilization are reported. The purpose of this study was to determine life-cycle differences that can exist under tropical field vs. tropical laboratory conditions to successfully colonize An. darlingi, for use in research studies for the improved control of An. darlingi and reduction of malaria in the Peruvian Amazon Basin.