The comparison of different membranes and blood for artificial feeding system of a stephensi

Abstract

Background: The efficiency of artificial feeding system of mosquitoes kept in insectrium depends on its technology of designing, kind of membrane and food quality. This study was conducted to find the best membrane and food regimen among three prevalent membranes (Parafilm "M", sheep intestine and chicken skin). Numbers of attracted mosquitoes were recorded in one hour of exposure as a measure of comparisons. Methods and Materials: the experiment was conducted in constant circumstances of insectrium (temperature: 28+2C and relative humidity: 70%+ 10%). Each experiment contained three replicates a lot of 20 non-blood_fed(sugar fed) 4-5 days old Anopheles stephensi. Results: In statistical analysis of the results of comparing membranes there was not any significant difference between the means (P= 0.07). However, statistical analysis of the results of comparing bloods revealed that the difference between the means is meaningful. Conclusions: Considering the obtained results and the experiments Parafilm "M" as an applicable membrane and sheep defibrinate blood as a suitable food regimen is recommended for artificial feeding of an, stephensi.