Evaluation of cyclopoid copepods for Aedes albopictus control in tires.

Six species of cyclopoid copepods in New Orleans were tested for biological control of Aedes albopictus larvae in discarded tires. Six to 8 weeks after introduction, Diacyclops navus, Acanthocyclops vernalis, Mesocyclops ruttneri and Mesocyclops edax reduced the number of Ae. albopictus larvae by 83, 90, 95 and 96%, respectively. Macrocyclops albidus and Mesocyclops longisetus were the most effective species. Six to 8 weeks after introduction, Macrocyclops albidus reduced Ae. albopictus larvae by 99%. Three months after introduction Macrocyclops albidus reduced Ae. albopictus larvae by 100%, and Mesocyclops longisetus reduced Ae. albopictus larvae by 99.8%. Macrocyclops albidus and Mesocyclops longisetus were equally effective at eliminating Ae. aegypti and Ae. triseriatus larvae.