Optimizing Cost-Effective Larval Diets for Mass Rearing of Aedes Mosquitoes in Vector Control Programs

(1) Background: Larval diet composition significantly influences the developmental, physiological, and reproductive traits of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, major arbovirus vectors. Optimizing larval nutrition is essential for mass-rearing programs supporting the sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique. This study evaluated the effects of three larval diets on key fitness traits, including pupation rate, male flight ability, adult longevity, female fecundity, pupal size, and wing length, which are critical for the success of SIT and IIT programs. (2) Methods: Ae. albopictus (GT strain) and Ae. aegypti (AEG strain) were reared on three diets with varying protein sources: diet 1 (&asymp:1.23 dollars/kg: porcine liver/shrimp/yeast = 6:3:1), the IAEA-recommended diet: diet 2 (&asymp:1.78 dollars/kg: bovine liver/shrimp/yeast = 6:3:1), a modified IAEA diet: and diet 3 (&asymp:0.55 dollars/kg: tortoise food), a low-cost laboratory formulation. Life history traits were assessed using standardized protocols, and data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey&rsquo:s post hoc test. (3) Results: Diet 3 consistently improved pupation rates, adult longevity, and male flight ability compared with diet 2. Mosquitoes reared on diets 1 and 3 exhibited significantly larger pupae and longer wings, while diet 2 performed sub-optimally. Adult eclosion rates (~100%) remained high across all diets. Male flight ability varied by species, with Ae. albopictus performing best on diet 1 and Ae. aegypti on diet 3. Female fecundity was diet-dependent, with diet 1 favoring Ae. albopictus and diet 3 benefitting Ae. aegypti. Longevity was highest in mosquitoes reared on diet 3, with a median survival of 19.5 days for GT males and 37.5 days for GT females. (4) Conclusions: Diet 3 emerged as the most cost-effective option, enhancing key fitness traits essential for SIT and IIT. Future studies should refine nutrient formulations and validate findings under field conditions to optimize mass-rearing efficiency in vector control.