Detection of the presence of larvae of Toxorhynchites sp (Diptera: Culicidae) as predators on larvae of Aedes aegypti, (Diptera: Culicidae) vector of dengue virus

Abstract

In the search for a biological alternative to counteract viral disease of dengue, the genus Toxorhynchites sp was studied, which according to research previous, preys on Aedes aegypti, vector of the virus. In this first phase of the study, the objective was to detect the presence of Toxorhynchites sp. in El Salvador, identify preferred areas and preliminary verify their potential
predator on Aedes aegypti. The genus Toxorhynchites sp, daily preys on an average of 12 larvae of "culicids". In the duration of the life cycle, the larval stages; 3, 4, pupal and adult, they lived 3.6, 6.7, 6.2 and 13.4 days, respectively. Favorite sites for
adults of Toxorhynchites sp, are rural and urban environments, with vegetation mainly fruit trees.