Anopheles’ development kinetic and longevity through different seasons in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Abstract Background Anopheles are ectothermic mosquitoes involved in numerous pathogens transmission. Their life-history traits are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity and photoperiodicity. Despite extensive investigations of these environmental conditions on vectors populations ecology, their impact on the different life stages of Anopheles at different seasons in the year remains little explored. This study reports the potential impact of these abiotic factors during different seasons on the immature stages and adults of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l). Methods Environmental conditions were simulated in the laboratory using incubators to mimic two important periods of the year in Burkina Faso: the peak of rainy season (August) and the onset of dry season (December). An. gambiae s.l. were reared in parallel under these environmental conditions. Then, the mosquito’s life history traits were evaluated, including egg hatching rate, pupation rate, larval development time, larva-to-pupae development time, adult emergence dynamics and longevity of An. gambiae s.l. Results A best egg hatching was recorded overall in conditions mimicking the onset of the dry season than at the peak of the rainy season. Larval development time and longevity of female An. gambiae s.l. were significantly longer at the onset of the dry season compared to which recorded at the peak of the rainy season. The adult emergence was spread over 48h and 96h under the peak of the rainy season and the onset of the dry season conditions respectively. This duration of 96h in the controlled conditions of the onset of the dry season was also observed in the semi-field conditions of the onset of the dry season. Conclusion The impact of temperature and relative humidity on immature stages and longevity of An. gambiae sl females differed under both conditions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of vector population dynamics throughout different seasons of the year and may facilitate tailoring control strategies.