Predatory efficiency of dragonfly nymphs, Crocothemis servilia and Rhyothemis variegata against the mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say

This study compared the predatory potential of nymphs two dragonfly species viz. Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773) and Rhyothemis variegata (Linnaeus, 1763) using different larval instars pupae Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823) as preys in normal laboratory settings. Field-collected fed 24 h starved C. R. were offered 1st, 2nd, 3rd 4th instar larvae to monitor rate predation. A nymph showed highest predation on 2nd (92.00±4.06%) followed by (83.00±5.61%), (80±6.89%) 1st (76.00±4.85%) (26.00±2.91), respectively, whereas, that exhibited consumption (90.00±3.54 %) (88.00±5.61 %), (82.00±3.74 (70.00±7.91 (23.00±4.63), respectively within exposure. In same period, maximum (77.00±3.54%) (76.00±4.58%), (64.00±4.00%) (55.00±3.53%) (24.00±3.67), (67.00±5.38 (65.00±10.12 (58.00±8.46 (53.00±4.06 (21.00±2.92), respectively. The was significant all their control counterparts (p<0.05) both higher nymphs. aforementioned findings suggest considerable against immature stages mosquito. present recommends assessing feasibility these large-scale mosquito programs.