Laboratory studies on the predatory potential of dragon-fly nymphs on mosquito larvae

Biocontrol potential of dragonfly nymph, Brachythemis contaminata Fabricius against the larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex. quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti was studied under laboratory conditions. It was found that dragonfly nymph had highest predation efficacy against An. stephensi followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti. Feeding rate increased with decrease in prey size/stage. Analysis of data indicated that dragonfly nymphs have good predatory potential and can be used as a biological control agent for control of mosquito breeding.