Voracity and prey preference of philippine population of toxorhynchites splendens wiedemann (Diptera: Culicidae) among aedes spp (diptera: Culicidae) and culex quinquefasciatus say (diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

© 2018, SEAMEO TROPMED Network. All rights reserved. Mosquito-borne diseases are a major burden in the Philippines for centuries due to the lack of effective and sustainable vector control measures. Sightings of the elephant mosquito, Toxorhynchites splendens in the country were recorded since the 1940’s. It has not been mentioned, however, in any control programs to date. The prey consumption by this larval predator for Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae), Ae. albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae), and Culex quinquefasciatus Say (1823) (Diptera: Culicidae) was, therefore, studied under a “with choice” and “without choice” situation to initially assess its capability under local conditions. The average cumulative voracity of larval Tx. splendens was higher for Ae. aegypti than for Ae. albopictus at all densities, with 70% consumed by the fourth instar. An increase in predation relative to increase in density was observed for all Toxorhynchites instars. Consumption of males and females did not vary in both prey species. Percent preys consumed per number of preys offered declined as density increased suggesting a satiation point. When offered a mix of different instars of Ae. aegypti larvae, Tx. splendens first and second instar larvae consumed the younger instars, but fourth instar Tx. splendens preferred older larvae and pupa, and when offered a mix of larvae belonging to three different species, the majority of Tx. splendens instars preferred Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus over Cx. quinquefasciatus. Our results suggest that Tx. splendens has very good potential in controlling dengue-carrying mosquitoes under Philippine conditions.

Source or Periodical Title

Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health

ISSN

1251562

Page

240-250

Document Type

Article

Subject

Aedes spp, Mosquito control, Prey preference, Toxorhynchites splendens, Voracity

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