Insectary operations for the maintenance and infection of Aedes aegypti mosquito strains with filarial parasites (Brugia spp. and Dirofilaria).

• Aedes aegypti (LVP) is used for Brugia spp. infections
• Aedes aegypti (AaSD) is used for Dirofilaria infections

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Mosquito orders must be placed THREE WEEKS before they are needed for experimental use. Orders go on the experimental mosquito Order Log in the mosquito order binder in the insectary. Fill out every field so your request can be fulfilled accurately and on time.

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Mosquito Order Log

Mosquito Order Log

General notes

• Expect a minimum of 1 L3 per infected mosquito — more typically 5 Bp L3 per mosquito, and 1–3 Di L3 per mosquito. Keep in mind that ~20% may not blood-feed and ~20–50% may die off before extraction, which is not uncommon with high parasite burden. Overestimate the number of mosquitoes you will need to account for death throughout the rearing process.
• Standard mosquito orders are filled in the following quantities, adjustable to your experimental needs:
  • Small carton: 50 female LVP or 50 female AaSD
  • Large carton: 1 carton of 350 female LVP each, or 4 cartons of 350 female AaSD each
• You are responsible for maintaining the sucrose pads and monitoring adult mosquito death in your cartons throughout the duration of use.
• Communicate regularly with Kathy throughout the mosquito rearing process and when you place an order, to ensure your experimental needs are met.

Ae. aegypti (LVP) schedule

Ae. aegypti (AaSD) schedule

I. Collection of egg sheets

Installing egg sheets and cups (every Friday)

1. Label brown paper with species, date, and initials.
2. Place the brown paper in a black egg cup labelled with the corresponding mosquito species tape colour (pink for LVP, lime green for AaSD), pressed tight against the cup walls with no bubbles.
3. Fill the cup halfway with distilled water.
4. Label the cup with species tape.