Effects of temperature and photoperiod on the infection of two mosquito species by the mermithid Romanomermis culicivorax.

ABSTRACT

Successful invasion by the mermithid Romanornermis eulicivorax declined linearly from 93.6 to 1.5% in Culex tarsalis and from 73.1 to 1.6% i n Aeries dorsalis larvae exposed in the laboratory at 18, 16, 14, 12, and l 0 C. Larvae of C. tarsalis were more susceptible than those of A. dorsalis at 18 and 16 C, but this relationship was reversed at 12 C. Larval mortality during the 48-h exposure period was due primarily to nematode infection . Photoperiod had no effect on infection.