Family Tipulidae (Insecta: Diptera) as a natural enemy of Culicidae (Diptera)

Abstract

The Tipulidae serve as food for several species of birds and insects. Many fish and some waterfowl feed on the larvae. They are vulnerable to fungal infection. Some aquatic larvae are used as bait in recreational fishing. The Tipulidae are agricultural pests of economic importance because the larvae live in the upper layers of the soil, where they feed on the roots, root hairs, crown and sometimes the leaves of crops, stunting their growth or killing the plants. The aim of the manuscript is to report the importance of Tipulidae in the natural control of Culicidae. The bibliographic verification of Tipulidae was carried out from 1906 to 2022. Manuscripts published in scientific journals and digital platforms on the subject were examined. With this paper it expands the knowledge of the bioecology and bionomy of Tipulidae.