Optimization of artificial feeding system for mass rearing of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus

The efficient mass-rearing systems of Aedes mosquitoes is a critical step for physiological study and for the development of novel control methods. Various species of mosquito had been widely maintained by an artificial feeding system, which needs to be optimized for mass rearing in the laboratory. For optimization of Aedes albopictus mass rearing, the effect of differences in blood meal and time-of-day for blood feeding on mosquito fitness was examined by comparing blood feeding rate, the number of eggs laid, egg hatching rate, and the period of time for development. Heparin or EDTA-treated whole blood (horse, swine, and bovine) and defibrinated blood (horse and sheep) were provided to the Asian tiger mosquito at either 8:00 or 18:00. Heparinized ATP swine blood-fed females laid significantly larger number of eggs than those of horse/bovine blood-fed females at 18:00. While heparinized ATP-free bovine blood-fed females laid the largest number of eggs, although it was not significantly different in morning feeders. The hatching rate was not significantly different among progeny. Offspring from females fed blood meal at 18:00 showed a significantly shorter period of time for development when compared to those of females fed blood meal at 08:00. Interestingly, the rate of blood feeding was not significantly different between ATP-free animal blood and ATP animal blood. Taken together, we suggest that mass rearing of A. albopictus should consider time-of-day for feeding and selection of animal blood.