[Biology and thermal exigency of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) from four bioclimatic localities of Paraíba]

Abstract

The present work aimed at estimating the thermal requirements for the development and the number of generations per year of Aedes aegypti (L.) under natural conditions. The life cycle of A. aegypti populations was studied at constant temperatures of 18, 22, 26, 30 and 34 degrees C, and 12 h photophase. The development period, egg viability and larval and pupal survival were evaluated daily as well as adult longevity and fecundity. The low threshold temperature of development (Tb) and the thermal constant (K) were determined. The number of generations per year in laboratory and field were also estimated. The favorable temperature to A. aegypti development is between 21 degrees C and 29 degrees C, and to longevity and fecundity is between 22 degrees C and 30 degrees C. The egg to adult basal temperature, thermal constant and the number of generations in field were, in order, 9.5, 8.5, 3.4, 7.1, 13.5 degrees C; 244.5, 273.9, 298.5, 280.9 and 161.8 degree-days; and 21.9, 23.8, 24.2, 21.1 and 22.1 generations in populations from Boqueirão, Brejo dos Santos, Campina Grande, Itaporanga and Remígio.