Evaluation of predatory efficiency of larvae of Toxorhynchites splendens using the larvae of Culex species

ARUNKUMAR SELVARAYAR, SANGARAN ARUMUGAM

Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College Tamilnadu veterinary and animal sciences university, Chennai, India

Corresponding author email:arunsgr@rediffmail.com

Accept Date: Jan 08, 2012 01:47

Abstract :

In this study, in-vitro maintenance of fourth instar larvae of T.splendens was undertaken under suitable laboratory conditions. The predatory potential of T.splendens larvae was tested using the larvae of Culex species. For a single predator larva, 50 and 100 numbers of fourth instar larvae of Culex species were given as prey separately. The rate of predation was monitored for five consecutive days using the same prey density. A single fourth instar larvae of T.splendens consumed an average of 26 ± 1.84 to 40 ± 2.67 prey larvae per day. A total number of prey larvae consumed for five days duration were 114 ± 4.62 and 163 ± 3.17 at prey density of 50 and 100 respectively. The predatory impact (PI) values were ranged between 24.62 and 28.24 larvae per day for prey density of 50. Whereas, the PI values were 34.57 and 39.25 larvae per day for prey density of 100. Based on the results, it was concluded that the larvae of T.splendens consumed a good numbers of Culex larvae and it can be included as part of an integrated vector control programme. Key words: Toxorhynchites splendens, predator, bio-control, mosquitoes.