Laboratory Study of Predatory Efficacy of Dragonfly Larvae, Catfish and Tadpoles against Container – Breeding Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Makurdi, Nigeria
DOI:36108/NJE/2002/91.0141
OMUDU, E .A. and IBRAHIM , H . K .
ABSTRACT: Three known predators of mosquito larvae namely; dragonfly larvae (Libellulidae), catfish (Clariidae) and tadpoles (Rana temporaria) were tested for predator efficacy. Four and two individuals of each of the predators were introduced into three replicates each of bowls containing 100 mosquito larvae in 10-12 litres of water with a control. Surviving larvae were counted at 8 hours interval for 48hours. The reduction of population of mosquito larvae was significant (P<0.05) for all predators. Dragonfly larvae consumed more mosquito larvae than catfish and tadpoles (reducing mean number of 100-6.0 in 48 hours). The outcome of this laboratory investigation revealed that larvae of dragonfly possess higher predatory potential as biological control agent for mosquitoes inhabiting man -made breeding habitats.