Predation byNotonecta undulata(Heteroptera: Notonectidae) on Larvae of the Yellow-Fever Mosquito

摘要: In various laboratory tests, individual 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th instars of Notonecta undulata Say consumed more Aedes aegypti (L.) larvae than either 1st or adults. Fourth the greatest number larvae. Although all mosquito larval were attacked, 2nd killed most often. The mean per hour increased with increasing prey density. Water temperature had no significant effect on predation rate. Starved adult N. required about 3 hr active feeding (equivalent to 30 fourth larvae) before they became satiated. Adult backswimmers consistently selected pupae over 6 other aquatic types. backswimmer's predatory behavior, elucidated by video recordings microscope observations, suggests it is well suited capturing pupae. Its ability kill stages mosquitoes at some time in its life history that adapted as a predator A. warrants further consideration mosquito-control agent.