COLD-STORAGE EFFECTS ON EGG HATCH IN LABORATORY-REARED CULICOIDES-VARIIPENNIS SONORENSIS (DIPTERA, CERATOPOGONIDAE)

The effects of cold storage (5 degrees C) on the hatching rates of lab oratory-reared Culicoides variipennis sonorensis eggs were examined. M ortality increased with storage time. Average maximum embryo survivors hip for 4 trials was 55.0 +/- 4.2 (+/-SEM) days. Alternating daily cyc les of high and then low mean hatching rates occurred and possibly wer e due to location differences in temperature within the temperature-co ntrolled rearing system. During cold storage at 5 degrees C, C. v. son orensis eggs may be kept for ca. 28 days with an anticipated hatching rate of about 50%.