Biological control of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae in trap tyres by Mesocyclops longisetus (Copepoda: Cyclopidae) in two field trials

Cyclopid copepods have been evaluated and used in at least six countries as biological control agents for container-breeding Aedes larvae. Three copepod species have received more attention: Macrocyclops albidus, Mesocyclops aspericornis and Mesocyclops longisetus. The last species has been pointed out as the most effective not only due to its higher voracity as a predator but also due to a best survival capacity in the absence of mosquito larvae. Some control studies have been carried out involving community participation in the distribution of copepods. Moreover, some evaluations have revealed the feasibility of spray applications of copepods through conventional equipment. In late 1991 one strain of M. longisetus was obtained by the first two authors in Campinas, State of Sao Paul, and maintained under laboratory cultures at the Departament of Zoology/Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). This strain (ML/01) was screened against Culex quinquefasciatus and Ae. albopictus larvae and appeared to be more effective against the latter species (unpublished data). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predation capacity, survival and reproduction of M. longisetus strain ML/01 in trap tyres, as a requisite for its possible use as a control agent in the attract and kill method.