Prey Instar Preference and Container Size Effects on the Development of Toxorhynchites splendens (Wiedemann, 1819) for Mass-Rearing Optimization

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Aeron Iñigo E. Tiu, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Hanna Nikkole V. Mariñas, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Denise Nicole A. Policarpio, Hunters Hill HighschoolFollow
• De La Salle University
• De La Salle University

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH)

School Name

De La Salle University--Laguna Campus

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

To, Dale Anthony L.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall - EKR 404

Abstract/Executive Summary

Conventional chemical control of Aedes aegypti, a major vector of mosquito-borne diseases, has become less effective due to increasing insecticide resistance. As an alternative, Toxorhynchites splendens, a non-blood-feeding mosquito, has emerged as a promising biological control agent, as its larvae naturally prey on Ae. aegypti. However, its successful field application depends on the development of efficient and cost-effective mass-rearing strategies. This study aimed to optimize the rearing methods of Tx. splendens under controlled laboratory conditions by evaluating predation efficiency, developmental rates, and survival across three container sizes (1.5, 3, and 5 oz), and assessing prey preference using the averaged Manly–Chesson index. Results showed that container size significantly influenced developmental dynamics. Larvae reared in medium-sized containers exhibited significantly faster early-stage development compared to those maintained in smaller containers (U = 6.00, p = 0.031); however, no significant difference in developmental rates was observed between medium and large containers. Meanwhile, an inverse trend was observed during the transition from the 3rd to the 4th instar, with larvae in smaller containers maturing faster. Survival rates were also higher in larger containers, indicating that container volume plays a key role in rearing efficiency. Prey selectivity analysis revealed an ontogenetic shift in feeding behavior. Early instars preferred smaller prey due to physical constraints, while later instars showed a strong preference for larger Ae. aegypti larvae to maximize energy intake. These findings underscore the roles of container size and prey availability in optimizing mass rearing and reducing developmental time under laboratory conditions.

Keywords

Toxorhynchites splendens; Aedes aegypti; biological control; mass rearing optimization; vector management

Initial Consent for Publication

no

Statement of Originality

yes