Diving beetles (Dytiscidae) as predators of mosquito larvae (Culicidae) in field experiments and in laboratory tests of prey preference

• DOI: 10.1079/ber2003237
• Publication Date: 2003-05-28T22:05:06Z
• Authors: E. Lundkvist; J. Landin; M. Jackson; C. Svensson
• Keywords: Dytiscidae; Mosquito control; Population density; Culex quinquefasciatus

Abstract Field experiments were performed in artificial ponds to evaluate how the density of predatory diving beetles (Dytiscidae) would affect population levels mosquito larvae (Culicidae). Mosquitoes colonizing predominantly species genus Culex . In 2000, most dytiscids small ( Hydroporus spp.), and these predators had no impact on size larval populations, not even with added dytiscids. 2001, larger Ilybius, Rhantus , Agabus spp.) more common, there significantly fewer highest numbers There was a negative correlation between mean body length larvae. neither year could dytiscid densities be maintained above certain level owing emigration. laboratory tests, marked differences three common regard preferences for Daphnia as prey: Colymbetes paykulli Erichson chose often, whereas both Ilybius ater (De Geer) I. fuliginosus (Fabricius) preferred spp. All tested consumed large prey. Since some can efficiently decrease populations larvae, they are probably important natural control dipterans.