Parental guidance? Trans-generational influences on offspring life history in mosquitoes.

Parental effects are important factors that might influence evolutionary and ecological aspects of parasite vectors and the parasites they transmit. A recent study demonstrated the importance of parental rearing conditions on the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. When parents are reared in a food-limited environment their offspring have increased bloodmeal sizes and larger clutches. The study highlights that ecological studies are vital for understanding vectors of disease and ultimately for developing effective control strategies.