DYNAMIC LIFE TABLE MODEL FOR AEDES-AEGYPTI (DIPTERA, CULCIDAE) - ANALYSIS OF THE LITERATURE AND MODEL DEVELOPMENT

The container-inhabiting mosquito simulation model (CIMSiM) is a weath er-driven, dynamic life table simulation model of Aedes aegypti (L.). It is designed to provide a framework for related models of similar mo squitoes which inhabit artificial and natural containers. CIMSiM is an attempt to provide a mechanistic, comprehensive, and dynamic accounti ng of the multitude of relationships known to play a role in the life history of these mosquitoes. Development rates of eggs, larvae, pupae, and the gonotrophic cycle are based on temperature using an enzyme ki netics approach. Larval weight gain and food depletion are based on th e differential equations of Gilpin and McClelland compensated for temp erature. Survivals are a function of weather, habitat, and other facto rs. The heterogeneity of the larval habitat is depicted by modeling th e immature cohorts within up to nine different containers, each of whi ch represents an important type of mosquito-producing container in the field. The model provides estimates of the age-specific density of ea ch life stage within a representative 1-ha area. CIMSiM is interactive and runs on IBM-compatible personal computers. The user specifies a r egion of the world of interest; the model responds with lists of count ries and associated cities where historical data on weather, larval ha bitat, and human densities are available. Each location is tied to an environmental file containing a description of the significant mosquit o-producing containers in the area and their characteristics. In addit ion to weather and environmental information, CIMSiM uses biological f iles that include species-specific values for each of the parameters u sed in the model. Within CIMSiM, it is possible to create new environm ental and biological fires or modify existing ones to allow simulation s to be tailored to particular locations or to parameter sensitivity s tudies. The model also may be used to evaluate any number and combinat ion of standard and novel control methods.