FIELD-EVALUATION OF MESOCYCLOPS LONGISETUS (COPEPODA, CYCLOPOIDEA) FOR THE CONTROL OF LARVAL AEDES-AEGYPTI (DIPTERA-CULICIDAE) IN NORTHEASTERN MEXICO

Field trials of the predacious copepod Mesocyclops longisetus Thiubaud were conducted in northeastern Mexico to determine the effectiveness of this species to control larval Aedes aegypti (L.) populations and t o survive and reproduce in nature. Groups of 200, 50, and 50 ovigerous M. longisetus females were inoculated into 200-liter metal drums, dis carded tires, and cemetery newer vases, respectively, which are 3 of t he more important Aedes breeding sites in this area. Larvae were sampl ed at 15-d intervals, and total surviving cyclops were collected at th e end of the study, 120 d later. Community participation was solicited through a simple training program on copepod rescue before drum clean ing and facilitated by the addition of a drum marker to remind residen ts of copepod presence. Results showed good cooperation and after 4 mo all peridomestic drums still supported variable numbers of cyclopoids . Average of larvae reduction was 37.5% for drums, 67.5% for flower va ses, and 40.9% for tires. This study shows difficulties of using cyclo poids for tires and vases in areas where prolonged dry seasons dessica ted these habitats and reduced copepod survival.