The effects of methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide on mortality and egg maturation in adult female Aedes aegypti.

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are a class of synthesized insecticides that disrupt physiological processes and interfere with growth and development in insects. One recognized and relatively new class of IGRs is the ecdysteroid agonists, which are capable of activating and binding to the EcR/USP complex.  Methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide are ecdysone agonists that are registered insecticides (Intrepid 2F and Mimic, respectively) for use in the treatment of vegetables, fruits, ornamentals and woodlands. They are considered to be selectively toxic to pests and have little to no effects on beneficial or predatory insects.

                The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is an anthrophilic vector of the pathogens of many diseases such as yellow fever or dengue fever. Many synthetic insecticides used to control mosquitoes today can have long lasting ecological ramifications or affect non-target species.  IGRs are well  suited to replace these insecticides because of their relative safety and specificity. My work focused on the effects of the IGRs methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide on vitellogenesis and egg maturation in Aedes aegypti.