-82- 



without significant mortality, allowing for field transportation of 

 Fj genetic strains for laboratory studies. 



It was found that gravid females could be transported long 

 distances in oviposition vials in a vehicle when they were protected 

 from excessive heat and provided moisture periodically. One batch of 

 about 40 adult females was hand carried 1,000 miles on an airplane 

 with no mortal ity. 



Oviposition records (Table 2-3) indicate that most of the females 

 did not deposit all their eggs and that the number of eggs laid per 

 fanale was quite variable (1-84 in June 1982; 15-76 in September 

 1983). Less variability in number of eggs deposited was observed in 

 1982. The higher percentage of females depositing ova during the fall 

 1983 trip as compared to spring 1982 (Table 2-3) is probably a 

 reflection of improved handling techniques and "laboratory" 

 facilities, and cooler temperatures. During June, 1982, the 

 "laboratory" was a screened camping shelter in which temperatures 

 remained about ambient. Mean temperatures at Garner State Park and 

 surrounding areas during that month were about 28°C with average daily 

 maximum temperatures of about 35°C. Relative humidity ranged between 

 about 50 and 95%. Special care such as adding ice to the polystyrene 

 cooler and addition of water to the plaster in the vials kept the 

 specimens alive until oviposition. In September, 1983, ambient 

 temperatures were lower (mean, 25°C; maximum, 32°C; RH about 65%) and 

 the "laboratory" facility consisted of an air-conditioned room that 

 was maintained at approximately 24°C. 



The mean gross egg production (eggs laid plus eggs retained) of 

 captured females was about the same for both trips. The high 



