BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF MOSQUITOES USING PREDATORY INVERTEBRATES: A REVIEW

Abstract

Mosquitoes are important vectors of several human and animal diseases, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, lymphatic filariasis and Japanese encephalitis. The widespread use of chemical insecticides has led to insecticide resistance, environmental contamination and adverse effects on non-target organisms, necessitating the development of sustainable alternatives. This review highlights the role of predatory invertebrates, with special emphasis on insects, in the biological control of mosquito populations. It examines the biology, predatory potential, field applications, advantages and limitations of major insect predators, including Toxorhynchites splendens, dragonfly and damselfly nymphs, diving beetles and backswimmers. The review also discusses the successful use of cyclopoid copepods (Mesocyclops longisetus and Macrocyclops spp.) against container-breeding mosquitoes. Available studies indicate that these predators can effectively suppress mosquito populations when integrated with habitat management, microbial larvicides and other components of Integrated Vector Management (IVM). Conservation and augmentation of indigenous predator communities offer an environmentally safe, sustainable and economically viable approach to long-term mosquito management.