Biological control of Culex mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) by the tadpole shrimp, Triops longicaudatus (Notostraca: Triopsidae).

ABSTRACT

Laboratory oviposition choice tests and behavioral observations indicated that the activity of tadpole shrimp, Triops longicaudatus (LeConte), near the water surface deterred gravid Culex quinquefasciatus Say from ovipositing. In the cities of Oasis and Riverside, Calif., tadpole shrimp significantly reduced the abundance of immature mosquitoes (Cx. tarsalis Coquillett and Cx. quinquefasciatus) probably due to lowered oviposition rates, as well as tadpole shrimp predation. Generally, mosquito oviposition rates in field ponds with tadpole shrimp were lower than that of controls, except when tadpole shrimp were very young (4 d after flooding) or when their abundance had declined late in the flooding period. When analyzed by pond, tadpole shrimp size was correlated inversely with abundance; however, differences in size or abundance did not affect their capacity to reduce mosquito populations.