Laboratory colonization and life table statistics for geographic strains of Simulium decorum (Diptera: Simuliidae).

Colonization techniques were developed in order to select mating strains from four geographic populations of Simulium decorum. Although mating strains were established from each locale, emphasis was shifted toward developing permanent colonies from Dryden Lake, New York, USA and Warm Springs, Georgia, USA. The net reproductive rate (Ro) was computed for the parental, F1, and F2 generations of each strain in order to assess the effects of colonization through successive generations. Ro increased rapidly for both strains from parental (range of 0.34-3.5) through F2 generations (range of 16.2-21.6). Analysis of Ro components indicated that the increases in Ro were the result of two parameters that reflect the propensity of flies to mate in confinement, suggesting that selection for mating is rapid. Multiple regression analysis indicated no significant differences between strains or generations when tested against fecundity (range of 391-519) and survival of immatures (range of 90.3-97.2%). A slight positive correlation (regression coefficient of 0.0016, P less than .01) was observed between larval density (range of 284-4,439 larvae per rearing) and survival of immatures, suggesting that the limits of the rearing system with regard to crowding were not approached. Both strains readily adapt to the laboratory and are currently in the fifth generation.