Introduction: Malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a significant public health concern. The aim of this study is to evaluate the canonical correlation between physiological traits and growth parameters of two Anopheles stephensi biotypes: intermediate and mysorensis.
Methods: A total of 25 males and 25 females were reared under controlled laboratory conditions (27 ± 2°C, 75 ± 5% relative humidity, 12:12 light-dark cycle), and parameters such as egg lifespan, larval stages, pupal duration, and adult longevity were examined. Growth parameters, including the finite rate of population increase, life expectancy, net reproductive rate, and average generation time, were analyzed separately.
Results: Canonical correlation analysis revealed that only the first canonical variable was significant, explaining 87.24% of the data fit. The first canonical variable exhibited the highest cumulative percentage (87.32), canonical square (0.94), and eigenvalue (23.59). Among growth parameters, life expectancy had the highest canonical correlation coefficient (r = 0.942). Significance tests indicated that Wilks' Lambda produced the highest eigenvalues, while other methods yielded Hotelling-Lawley Trace: 0.38, Pillai’s Trace: 1.43, and Roy’s Greatest Root: 37.40.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that growth parameters, such as net reproductive rate and average generation time, are directly correlated. A higher net reproductive rate corresponds with a longer average generation time, leading to an increased intrinsic rate of population growth and life expectancy. These insights into Anopheles stephensi population dynamics may contribute to improved vector control strategies.