High abundance of Toxorhynchites aff. theobaldi (Dyar & Knab, 1906) (Diptera: Culicidae) in an artificial container in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Cannibalism among Toxorhynchites larvae is frequently reported and is generally associated with resource limitation and high population density. This study aimed to describe the natural aggregation of Toxorhynchites larvae in the absence of evidence of cannibalism. Twenty-six third- and fourth-instar larvae (L3-L4) were collected from an artificial container holding approximately 7 L of water in southern São Paulo, Brazil, and reared to adulthood for species identification. The emerged adults were identified as Toxorhynchites aff. theobaldi. One week later, the same container was colonized by numerous Culex larvae. This record suggests that cannibalism may be reduced under certain natural conditions and highlights the potential of this species as a biological control agent.