Oogenesis and laboratory survival in the Scottish biting midge Culicoides impunctatus

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Abstract
Abstract.  Oogenesis is investigated in Culicoides impunctatus to provide information useful for the laboratory culture of this species. The first mature follicles in individuals held at 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C appear at 132, 120, 108 and 96 h, respectively, after a blood meal, whereas mature follicles are present in 50% of individuals by 156, 132, 120 and 108 h. Potential fecundity is low and the production of mature follicles is not synchronized closely with digestion of the blood meal. Adult survival is both temperature‐ and density‐dependent. These results are interpreted in terms of the species' adaptation to a Northern climate and recommendations are made for future laboratory colonization attempts as well as future studies.

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