Larval diet-mediated morphological trait and Wolbachia density variation in Wolbachia-transinfected (wMel and wAlbB) and Wolbachia-free Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Introduction Larval diet plays a crucial role in mosquito development and fitness by influencing both larval and adult traits. During the aquatic stage, mosquitoes acquire essential nutrients required for successful metamorphosis and adult emergence. Interactions between larval nutrition and bacterial endosymbionts such as Wolbachia further influence mosquito development, with important implications for field-based vector control strategies. Methods We evaluated the effects of four larval diets on fitness characteristics of Wolbachia -transinfected and uninfected Ae. aegypti strains. The diets tested were: LD1 (fish feed), LD2 (laboratory rodent diet), LD3 (mushroom powder), and LD4 (dog biscuit plus brewer’s yeast). We assessed wing length and body weight in Wolbachia -transinfected strains ( w Mel and w AlbB) and uninfected strains across two generations of Ae. aegypti reared under each larval diet regimen. Additionally, Wolbachia density was measured in the transinfected Ae. aegypti strains using real-time PCR. Results Female wing length was significantly influenced by the interaction between diet, Wolbachia strain, and generation (Diet × Strain × Generation: F = 3.98, P = 0.0044 ), together with significant Diet × Strain (F = 3.05, P = 0.0135. In contrast, male wing length was primarily affected by diet (F = 14.11, P Wolbachia infection status and generation. Discussion This study emphasizes that larval diet significantly influences the fitness of both Wolbachia- transinfected and uninfected Aedes aegypti strains. LD1 and LD4 showed improved wing development and fitness compared to LD2 and LD3, with sex-specific effects observed. Based on the analysis, LD1 is recommended for routine mass rearing of Wolbachia trans-infected mosquitoes. These findings highlight the need for future studies on cost-effective, locally available diet formulations to optimize mosquito fitness for vector control strategies.