Toxorhynchites Splendens (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Culicidae) and its Efficacy to Control other Mosquitoes in Bangladesh

Abstract

The biology of Toxorhynchites splendens (Wiedemann) has been observed in the laboratory. Twelve types of seasonal fruits and vegetables slices were offered as food for adults, in addition to the normal artificial diet viz 20% honey solution and 20% glucose solution in the cage and they accepted the food directly. Diurnal and nocturnal mating were also observed. Normally at night or in dark nuptial flight did not occur. But nuptial flight took place in extended photoperiod. Mating periodicity, pre-oviposition period, oviposition and fecundity were also observed. For mating the male-female ratio was 1: 1, 2:1, 3:1, 6:1 and 9:1. Factorial analysis of data indicated that mating occurred more at predusk (4pm to 6pm) than at morning and it was significant at 0.05 level. Pre- oviposition period was highly significant in between ratio of males: female at 0.01 level. Pre- oviposition period were 16.33, 14.33, 7.66, 8.00 and 7.66 days with the male - female ratio of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 6:1 and 9:1 respectively. Pre- oviposition period decreased with the increasing of males. Statistically pre- oviposition period was significant at 0.01 level. Female also produced highest number of eggs (166.66) in ratio of male- female, 9:1. It was also highly significant at 0.01 level. But oviposition period and male- female ratio was found non-significant.