Evaluating the effects of insect growth regulators upon adult Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Methoprene is a Juvenile Hormone (JH) analogue commonly used for the control of mosquito larvae. When applied to a mosquito breeding site, methoprene enters the haemolymph, where it mimics the function of JH and interferes with normal metamorphosis, resulting in larval mortality. Historically, methoprene has been successful for the control of larvae and has not been used as an adulticide, due to limited effects upon adult mosquitoes. I will present the results of experiments designed to examine for acute and chronic effects of methoprene on adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The results will be discussed in relation to (1) autocidal strategies for mosquito control in which the release of fecund females is to be avoided and (2) the potential for an insecticide approach against mosquitoes that is based upon chronic insecticide effects.