Updated Bionomics of Toxorhynchites aurifluus and Toxorhynchites manicatus in Taiwan

Abstract

The larvae of the genus Toxorhynchites are typically found in sylvatic habitat environments. They have been proposed as potential biocontrol agents against disease vectors such as Aedes, specifically the larvae of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The only 2 species of Toxorhynchites identified in Taiwan are Tx. aurifluus and Tx. manicatus, but there have been no published records of either species since 1984. In January 2014, we identified 2 4th-stage Tx. aurifluus larvae and 2 4th-stage Tx. manicatus larvae in artificial habitats close to dwellings in Guichong village, Pingtung County, Taiwan. Here we update the bionomics of the larvae of both species, including coexisting aquatic fauna, the physicochemical parameters of the larval habitats, and developmental time. We further compare the findings with past records.