Sublethal and transgenerational effects of alphamethrin on life history traits of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae), a malaria mosquito

Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae), an urban malaria vector in India, is controlled by insecticides. Sublethal concentrations can be effective in reducing mosquito populations and disease transmission by reducing its reproductive fitness. In this study, sublethal effects of alphamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, were assessed on selected fitness parameters. Late third instars of the Goraguntepalya strain, Bangalore, were exposed to three sublethal doses, LC10 – 0.00006, LC30 – 0.0004, and LC50 – 0.0014 mg/L and their effects on fecundity, egg hatchability, sex ratio, and longevity in parental, F1 and F2 generations. The morphology of gonads, pattern of pupation, and adult emergence were also assessed. We found a significant reduction in fecundity and hatchability among the sublethal concentrations as well as across generations. Survival analysis showed significant reduction in lifespan of exposed groups. Delay in pupation, eclosion, and no distortion in sex ratio was observed. The results suggest that sublethal concentrations of alphamethrin may have negative effects on exposed individuals and subsequent generations.