Predation efficacy of anopheles funfests larvae by Aquatic predators in rural South Eastern –Tanzania

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the impact of 3 common predator on Anopheles funestus larvae. Specifically, (a) The impact of predator on larval and adult density (b) The impact of aquatic predation on fitness traits of Anopheles funestus mosquitoes (wing size, larval and adult survivals) in the semi-field system. Three selected predator families (Aeshnidae, Coenagriondae and Notonectidae) and Anopheles funestus group larvae were collected from the natural aquatic habitats in rural south eastern Tanzania and transferred to the semi-field system (Mosquito city) at Ifakara Health Institute. Anopheles funestus larvae were exposed to artificial habitats with predators. The number of surviving Anopheles funestus larvae were counted after 24 hours. Remaining larvae were monitored until all they are consumed or developed into pupae stage. An emerged trap was placed at the top of artificial habitats to capture an emerging mosquito. Emerged mosquitoes were provided 10% glucose solution- soakes cotton wool and their 24 hours mortality were recorded. Wings of died female mosquitoes were measured and used as a proxy for their body sizes. All predators were significantly reduced the Anopheles funestus density, affect the survival and wing sizes of emerged mosquitoes. Coenagrionidae were most efficient predators followed by Notonectidae while Aeshinidae were least efficient predators on Anopheles funestus larvae. The current study suggest that these aquatic predators may play an important role as complementary tool in reducing Anopheles funestus larval population and hence contribute to the reduction of the malaria vectors in Southern eastern Tanzania. Further investigations should be done in a real natural aquatic habitat