Gonotrophic discordance in Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of gonotrophic discordance in females of Culex quinquefasciatus in São Paulo, Brazil.

METHODS:

Resting females were collected monthly for 8 months. Females of Cx. quinquefasciatus were identified, and their midgut and ovaries were dissected.

RESULTS:

Two hundred females were dissected, out of which, 27.5% were nulliparous and 57% were parous. Most females had no blood in the midgut, but gonotrophic discordance was found in 21% females.

CONCLUSIONS:

Females of Cx. quinquefasciatus showed a high parity rate and gonotrophic discordance, which could favor the vector capacity of this species.

Keywords:
Vector; Culex; Parity; Ovaries