This dataset contains the individual-level, binary larval mortality data underlying the larval thermal tolerance analyses described in "Stage-specific divergence in larval thermal tolerance among populations of the Culex pipiens Assemblage" (Journal of Medical Entomology).

• Associated publication: Gregory et al. "Stage-specific divergence in larval thermal tolerance among populations of the Culex pipiens Assemblage." Journal of Medical Entomology.
• Dataset DOI (this repository): https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.x69p8d00x

Summary of experimental efforts

Larvae from multiple geographic populations of the Culex pipiens assemblage were assayed for thermal tolerance at two developmental stages (first and fourth instar) across three complementary assay types:

1. Acute upper-thermal-limit (ramping) assays — larvae were exposed across a graded series of elevated temperatures (36–46 °C, 2 °C steps) and scored alive or dead at each temperature. Files: tramp_cx.csv, tramp_cx_4.csv, tramp_cx_HZ.csv.
2. Chronic (sustained sublethal heat) assays — larvae were held at a fixed sustained temperature and survival was scored repeatedly over time (0–120 h). Files: chronic_first.csv, chronic_fourth.csv.
3. Cold (chill) assays — larvae were exposed to cold (0 °C) and survival was scored over a series of exposure durations (60–110). Files: cold_first.csv, cold_fourth.csv.

Populations sampled across the core assays were Chicago-AG, Chicago-BG, Florida, Maine, and Texas. An additional ramping dataset (tramp_cx_HZ.csv) covers two hybrid-zone populations, Baltimore and SERC. Each row is one individual larva at one measurement point. Assays were run in trial blocks (the trial field), with collection/assay dates recorded in date.

Trials, sample sizes, and date ranges per file:

Description of the data and file structure

The dataset comprises seven comma-separated value (.csv) files. All files share a common set of identifier and outcome columns; the differences reflect assay type (temperature- vs. time-based scoring), developmental stage (pupation tracked only for fourth instars), and plate layout (thermal-cycler position vs. a single individual identifier).

Shared / common variables

Per-file structure

tramp_cx.csv — first-instar acute ramping assay

tramp_cx_4.csv — fourth-instar acute ramping assay (with control)

Same structure as tramp_cx.csv. Differences:

tramp_cx_HZ.csv — first-instar acute ramping assay, hybrid-zone populations

Same structure as tramp_cx.csv. Contains the Baltimore and SERC populations only. tcycler 1–2.

chronic_first.csv — first-instar chronic (sustained-heat) assay

The sustained assay temperature is fixed per the protocol and is not stored as a column: [fill in: sustained temperature, °C].

chronic_fourth.csv — fourth-instar chronic (sustained-heat) assay

Same structure as chronic_first.csv, plus:

cold_first.csv — first-instar cold (chill) assay

cold_fourth.csv — fourth-instar cold (chill) assay

Same structure as cold_first.csv, plus:

Missing data

Missing or unscored survival observations are coded NA in the alive field. In pupated, missing values appear as NA or as an empty cell. There are no other missing-data codes.