Taken together, these ndings highlight the promising role of Toxorhynchites larvae as potential biocontrol agents against mosquito. Toxorhynchites adults are larger than Aedes and are considered to be harmless to humans given that they do not blood feed 39,40,67. The mosquitoes in the genus Toxorhynchites (Theobald) are those that are predacious as larvae and. Item Type:Дonald, Dr Claire and Kohl, Professor AlainДonald, C. &0183 &32 larvae in tree crevices (particularly those belonging to the genus Aedes). The exploration for new biocontrol agents is ongoing. Here, we draw together current knowledge of the general biology of Toxorhynchites and discuss how this updated information will benefit their role in an integrated vector management program. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Predation potential of the dytiscid beetle, Rhantus sikkimensis Regimbart 1899 and the larvae of Toxorhynchites splendens Wiedemann 1819 occurring along with the larval stages of the mosquitoes in the annual lentic water bodies of Darjeeling was evaluated using the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823 as preys, in the laboratory under simulated natural conditions. albopictus (Sulaiman and Jeffery 1994, Focks 2007, Nyamah et al. Their effectiveness in this role has been strongly debated for many years and early trials have been marred by misinformation and incomplete descriptions. &0183 &32 We used Toxorhynchites mosquitoes as our predator model since species in this genus are found in the same or similar habitats as Ae. Because this habitat is the source of several medically important species of mosquitoes. The larvae are predaceous on other mosquitoes and aquatic organisms that inhabit both natural and artificial containers. Toxorhynchites amboinensis, examined by a different experimental design. In spite of their size, they are like many species of mosquitoes completely harmless to man. biological control agents of mosquitoes, although success varies greatly among.

This review will focus on Toxorhynchites, a non-hematophagous mosquito genus which is a natural predator of vector species and may be exploited as a biological control agent. Toxorhynchites is an unusual and interesting genus of large, non-biting mosquitoes. Vector populations have expanded their geographical ranges, while increasing resistance to chemical insecticides and a lack of effective treatments or vaccines has meant that the development of vector control methods is essential in the fight against mosquito-transmitted diseases. The increasing global incidence of mosquito-borne infections is driving a need for effective control methods.

Toxorhynchites as biocontrol agents