Issue Date

10-2017

Abstract

A local population of Toxorhynchites splendens (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Culicidae: Toxorhynchitinae) from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), University of the Philippines Los Banos, was observed under laboratory conditions to gather basic data on its biology. Immature stages are briefly described highlighting key characters that differentiate larval instars. Egg incubation and developmental period were shorter in males (1.77 ± 0.35, 36.16 ± 15.57) than in females (1.87 ± 0.26, 38.30 ± 16.23). Males also live shorter (12.9 ± 10.44) than females (18.38 ± 14.76). The number of preys, Aedes aegypti larvae, offered to T. splendens larvae was positively correlated with the duration of the stages of both males and females. Higher juvenile mortality and shorter adult longevity were observed at higher prey densities of 40 and 60. Adults resulting from larvae fed with 10-20 preys daily, lived longest, making it the most appropriate ratio for rearing. The average fecundity was 19.80 eggs (± 16.16), with 96.60% (± 15.60) viability over a reproductive period of 14.80 days, about 15.30 days after mating. Oviposition mostly occurred either during flight above or while resting on the water surface. Hatchability of eggs taken out of the water and cooled or air dried was greatly reduced making the larva more ideal for transport. On the other hand, cannibalism, although present in all larval instars, was reduced when preys are present.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

31

Issue

2

Page

85-102

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

illustrations ; tables

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

TOXORHYNCHITES SPLENDENS, TOXORHYNCHITES, AEDES AEGYPTI, LARVAE, PREDATION, LIFE CYCLE, BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES, EGG INCUBATION, LABORATORY EXPERIMENTATION

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