Evaluation of two cyclopoid copepods for Aedes albopictus control in tires in the Panhandle of Florida at low introduction rates

Abstract

Two species of cyclopoid copepods were tested in Panama City, Florida for their ability to reduce Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larvae in tire piles. Seven to 8 weeks after introduction (l 0/tire). Acanthocyclops vernalis (Fischer) and Mesocyclops longisetus (Thiebaud} reduced the number of Ae. albopictus larvae by 3.0 and 48%, respectively. By week 12, M. longisetus reduced Ae. albopictus larvae by 63%, whereas A. vernalis disappeared from the tires. Twenty-eight weeks following the introduction of M. longiselus, Ae. albopictus larvae were reduced by ca. 50%. Additionally, M. longisetus was shown to successfully overwinter in the Florida panhandle and appeared to be a promising biological control agent for container-inhabiting mosquitoes.

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