EFFECT OF AN INSECT GROWTH REGULATOR ON LIPID AND CARBOHYDRATE RESERVES OF MOSQUITO PUPAE (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Pupae of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegyti (L.), were examined for glycogen and lipid content under normal conditions and following exposure, as fourth-instar larvae, to 0.1 ppm of the insect growth regulator, Altosid® (isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-dodeca-2,4-dienoate).The glycogen reserves of control and experimental insects show similar rates of utilization up to about 24 h of pupal life, but at 48 h, the glycogen reserves of treated animals are depleted. Examination of pupal lipid content indicates that insects treated with Altosid begin pupal life with lipid reserves which are considerably less than those of control animals.The reduced energy reserves available to newly emerged adults may contribute to premature mortality.