Oviposition and maintenance of Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea) townsvillensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the laboratory.

Fecundity, oogenesis, oviposition, and percentage egg hatch were quantified for the blood-feeding midge Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea) townsvillensis (Taylor). Data are similar to that reported for other species of blood-feeding Forcipomyia. Eggs rarely developed from a partial blood meal but invariably developed after a single, complete blood meal. Results suggest that this species is anautogenous. Oviposition media were investigated and a successful medium and holding chamber type identified. Longevity of adults in the laboratory was studied and indicates the possibility for >1 gonotrophic cycle to occur. Adult survival at different relative humidities showed midges can survive 35-98% RH. Rearing of larvae in the laboratory and culture media are discussed. The data supplied in this paper provide the basis for the laboratory culture of F. (L.) townsvillensis.