Cannibalism and carnivory in Toxorhynchites splendens (Diptera: Culicidae).

ABSTRACT

Laboratory reared larvae of Toxorhynchites splendens, which were previously starved for 24 hours, cannibalized eggs of their own kind or preyed upon the eggs of other species (Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi) present on the surface of water in small containers. Second and third instars consumed eggs faster than first and fourth instars. The first instar consumed larvae of its own kind faster than the other instars, in the absence of other prey. However, when prey larvae were provided, there was a significant fall in the rate of cannibalism.