Effects of temperature and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis on life history traits of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito species

Abstract Background Temperature changes are common in nature and insects are particularly exposed to such variations which can be potential stresses, ultimately affecting life history traits and overall fitness. Here, we assessed the life history parameters of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus when its larval stages were exposed to high temperatures (39°C, 40°C) and Bti (1 ppm and 1.5 ppm). The effects of both temperature and Bti were evaluated on the treated Aedes (F₀) (immediate effects) and on their first generation (F₁) progeny (trans-generational effects). Results In the present study, it has been observed that temperature and Bti significantly influence the behavioral traits in both Aedes mosquito species. Temperature stress imparts negative influence on Aedes mosquito by decreasing survival, longevity and reproductive potential while it imparts some positive effects like decreasing developmental period and producing more female offspring which can increase mosquito population and transmission of pathogens. Bti alone affects most of the life history traits beyond the parental generation. However, temperature stress alone and the combined effect of both stress do not affect the life history traits significantly in F₁ generation. Bti exposure increased the developmental period, reduced reproductive potential of the Aedes mosquito in F₁ generation. Conclusions Therefore, it may be concluded that Bti can be used as an effective tool for Aedes mosquito vector control. Temperature and Bti in combination reduce survival rate and reproductive potential in Aedes mosquito. Consequently, it appears that while global warming may cause an increase in dengue transmission, based on the current findings, Bti can be used for dengue prevention and control in the changing climatic condition.