Toxorhynchites (genus - predators)
| Literature database |
|---|
| 80 articles sorted by: |
| • year (descending) |
| • research topics |
| • countries/regions |
| • list of pest species |
Toxorhynchites Theobald, 1901
This genus of very large mosquitoes contains around 50 species which are found in the tropics and subtropics. The adults of both sexes do not suck blood but feed on flowers and other plant juices. The larvae prey mainly on other mosquito larvae, using their strong mandibles. Several species have been used for the biological control of other mosquitoes. For example, 2 species have been successfully introduced into Hawaii. Other species have been reared and released as adults to control pest mosquitoes.
Toxorhynchites breeds in various types of water bodies. Eggs are scattered on the water surface while flying. The genus can be recognized by the large size of the larvae and adults (up to 20 mm long) as well as by the strongly bent proboscis of the adults.
For a review of this genus see Donald et al. (2020).
Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:
