Wing Metric Variation inAedes aegyptiEffect of Altitude on Wing Metric Variation ofAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) in a Region of the Colombian Central Andes

Abstract

23 In mosquitoes of medical importance, wing shape and size can vary with altitude, an 24 aspect that can influence dispersion and, consequently, their vector capacity. Using 25 geometric morphometry analysis, Aedes aegypti wing size and shape variation of males 26 and females was studied in four altitudes in the second-smallest department in Colombia: 27 1.200 m (Tebaida), 1.400 m (Armenia), 1.500 m (Calarcá), and 1.700 m (Filandia). Wing 28 shape in males (P < 0.001) and females (P < 0.001) was significantly different through 29 the altitudinal gradient; in turn, wing size in males followed the altitudinal gradient 30 (Males R 2 = 0.04946, P = 0.0002), Females (R 2 = 0.0011, P = 0.46). Wing allometry for 31 males (P < 0.001) and females (P < 0.001) was significant. Likewise, the shape and size 32 of the wings of males (P < 0.001) and females (P < 0.001) had significant fluctuating 33 asymmetry. It is concluded that, in a small scale with an altitudinal variation of 500 34 meters, it is detected that the size and shape of the wings varied in A. aegypti, principal 35 vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The fluctuating asymmetry is present in the 36 individuals studied and could be associated with environmental effects caused by vector 37 control campaigns present in some sampling locations. 38 39