Authors :

P. Midhun and B. Dhanakkodi,

Author Address :

PG and Research Department of Zoology, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641029. Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract :

Damselfly nymphs of three size groups by length viz., 6 ± 1mm, 12 ± 1 mm  and 18 ±  1 mm were tested for their predation over different developmental stages of mosquito, Aedes aegypti. The predator’s consumption over I, II, III and IV instar stages and pupae of the mosquito was remarkable. However, the predators, irrespective of the size, preferred young prey larvae rather than the mature ones. The consumption rate was in relation to the size of predators i.e., 6 ± 1 mm and 18±1mm, respectively. Also, density of prey proportionately influenced the rate of predation. Percent success  rate  of  the  predator  over  prey  was  25.1,42.8 and 72.6 relative to  the  size  groups, respectively. Nymph consumed less number of prey compared to that of 12mm and 18 mm, respectively.

Keywords :

Biological control, Mosquitoes, Predatory insects and Damselfly.