Date of Award
1993
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Paulson, Sally L.
Abstract
The recent introduction of Aedes albopictus and decline in Aedes aegypti suggests competitive displacement. I report the dynamics of hetero- and conspecific mating between Florida strains of these species. Dissection of the spermathecae showed that heterospecific insemination was an infrequent event for both species combination (10.7% for Aedes albopictus with Aedes aegypti males, 3.7% for the reciprocal cross). This even occurred when the rear tarsi of females were removed, eliminating a significant mechanism for fending off unwanted courtship. When heterospecific mating does occur the resulting eggs are nonviable. When held with males of both species, females mated with conspecifics and oviposited without regard to the presence of heterospecifics. In low density experiments, a single female of either species was caged with an excess of heterospecific males, the conspecific male always located and inseminated the female. My results suggest that significant prezygotic and postzygotic reproductive isolation exists between Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.
Extent
28 p.
Recommended Citation
Harper, Jeffery Patrick, "Reproductive isolation between Florida strains of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus" (1993). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 1990 - 1999. 498.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_4/498
Identifier
FADT14895
Comments
Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1993.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1993.