Fig. 1.

Schematic of large cage trials. Target populations were established by releasing equal numbers of G3 adult females and males into the 16 m³ cages for either 6 (Trial 1) or 4 weeks (Trials 2 and 3). In Trial 1, the target population was established with females and males from a preexisting stable age distribution population based on the model predictions of the population structure. In both Trials, after population establishment, semi-weekly releases of Ag(PMB)1 males were performed at two different ratios, or in the control, only progeny were returned to the control cage. (1) Mosquitoes were blood-fed using the artificial membrane feeder; (2) eggs were collected 3 days after the blood meal, bleached and incubated for 1 day; (3) 500 larvae were reared in two trays at a density of 250/liter/tray. When pupation started, immature stages from each tray were split in two trays and one of the four trays obtained was selected to be saved for restocking; (4) pupae were collected from the selected tray, sexed and screened for fluorescence before being divided according to sex in two small cages where adults could emerge and mature for 1–2 days; (5) twice a week virgin adults were introduced in the corresponding cage to maintain the population. At the same time, Ag(PMB)1 males the same age as the restocking adults were introduced into the treatment cages