Physiology and development of the M and S molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae in Burkina Faso (West Africa) /Mouline, Karine Mamai, W. Agnew, P. Tchonfienet, M. /Brengues, Cécile Dabiré, R. /Robert, Vincent /Simard, Frédéric Anopheles gambiae emergence nutritional reserves ovarian development size-corrected weight trade-offs In West Africa, M and S molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae) Giles, frequently occur together, although with different population bionomics. The S form typically breeds in rain-dependant water collections and is present during the rainy season only whereas the M form can thrive all year long in areas with permanent breeding opportunities. In the present study, we explored physiological and developmental trade-offs at play in laboratory colonies and field populations of the M and S forms that originated from an area of sympatry in Burkina Faso, where M and S larvae exhibit such habitat segregation. In the laboratory, larvae of the M form developed slower than the S form (mean values 9.51 and 8.85 days, respectively, Wilcoxon's test, P < 0.001). Although wing length and dry weight at emergence showed large variations, M females were on average 8% heavier than S females of similar wing length. Higher nutritional reserves (proteins and lipids) in teneral adults explained part of this weight difference, reflecting a better ability of the M form to garner resources at the larval stage. Furthermore, a higher rate of ovarian maturation was observed in the M form after a single bloodmeal. The relevance of these findings for parasite transmission is discussed. 2012 text https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010058202 fdi:010058202 Mouline Karine, Mamai W., Agnew P., Tchonfienet M., Brengues Cécile, Dabiré R., Robert Vincent, Simard Frédéric. Physiology and development of the M and S molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae in Burkina Faso (West Africa). 2012, 26 (4), 447-454 EN