The Bionomics of an African Megarhinus (Dipt., Culicidae) and its possible use in Biological Control

Abstract

An insectary-bred colony of M. brevipalpus was established in Johannesburg from specimens collected in s. Natal, where the natural habitat of this predatory sp. consists of patches of sub-tropical forest. Larvae were collected from breeding places in leaf axils of Strelitzia nicolai, small rot holes, and Strelitzia stumps. Conditions of tropical heat and humidity were maintained in the insectary. When given abundant supply of Aedes aegypti larvae, the avg. life cycle of M. brevipalpus was approx. 21 days, with an avg. kill of 100-200 A. aegypti larvae during the normal larval period. Cannibalism was not an important factor, especially in the presence of culicine prey. The rearing of M. brevipalpus for large scale release in certain areas would be a worthwhile project in connection with an over-all plan of general control.