The biology of Toxorhynchites mosquitoes and their potential as biocontrol agents

Toxorhynchites spp. mosquitoes are recognised as potential biological control agents of pest and vector species of mosquito. There have been many attempts to use them for this purpose since the beginning of the twentieth century, although with relatively low levels of success, which has been attributed to a lack of knowledge of the general biology of Toxorhynchites mosquitoes. Increasing resistance of vector mosquitoes to traditional chemical pesticides and the expansion of the ranges of these vector mosquitoes have made the search for alternative methods of mosquito control imperative. This review draws together the current knowledge of both the taxonomy and the general biology of Toxorhynchites mosquitoes and details previous attempts to use this group as biocontrol agents and in integrated control programmes. In addition, it makes recommendations for further study of this group in order to facilitate their successful utilization against vector mosquitoes.