Resistance of Anopheles farauti eggs to desiccation

Abstract

Anopheles farauti is the main vector of malaria in Solomon Islands. Larvae of this species were found in a large variety of water, such as ponds, lagoons, springs, seepage areas, river margins, temporary ground pools of all sizes, etc. (Belkin, 1962). Under natural conditions the water level of larval habitats of An. farauti was unstable. The habitats reduced in size after a long, dry period and expanded when it rained heavily. The water level of breeding sites near the coast was also subject to sea tides. In the laboratory. An. farauti eggs were laid on the surface of water in containers. But when the water level was lowered, many eggs were stranded on the wall of containers. The same phenomenon seemed to happen in nature. Egg ability to survive under dry conditions might affect larval and adult population densities.