Predatory potential of Platynectes sp. (Coleoptera:Dytiscidae) on Aedes albopictus, the vector of dengue/ chikungunya in Kerala, India
- Author:
Kumar, N.P.
;
Bashir, A.
;
Abidha, S.
;
Sabesan, S.
;
Jambulingam, P.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2014;31(4):736-741
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Unused and discarded latex collection containers (LCCs) are the major breeding
habitats of Aedes albopictus in the rubber plantations of Kerala, India. Platynectes sp. (Family:
Dytiscidae) was observed to invade these habitats during the monsoon season and voraciously
devour the larval instars of this major vector species of arbo-viral diseases. Field observations
showed a reduction of 70.91% (p = 0.0017) and 100% in Aedes larval density, on the first and
four days post release of eight beetles per LCC respectively. In laboratory, a beetle was found
to devour 17.75 + 5.0 late larval instars of Ae. albopictus per day. Our findings indicate
Platynectes sp. could be a potential bio-control agent against Ae. albopictus, the vector of
chikungunya/dengue fevers, in rubber plantations.
- Full text:W020150602317980615992.pdf
