MASS REARING AND EGG RELEASE OF BUENOA SCIMITRA BARE AS BIOCONTROL OF LARVAL CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS

ABSTRACT Backswimmers have been recognized as the most promising predators of mosquito larvae. The aim of this investigation was to study mass rearing and egg release of Buenoa scimitra for the biological control of Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Among the most important results were that production of backswimmer eggs occurred for 263 days, and also that eggs were released in artificial containers with production of new individuals until the adult stage was obtained. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in mosquito larval density was observed on some sampling dates.