Some Factors Affecting Parasitism by Mermithid Nematodes In Southern House Mosquito1 Larvae2

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Abstract
Various factors affecting the use of a nematode Romanomermis sp., as a biological control agent of mosquitoes were studied. Almost 100% parasitism was obtained when the numbers of parasites in the infective stage to the number of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say exceeded a ratio of 3: 1. The percentage decreased with an increase in the volume of water in which the mosquitoes were exposed but not so rapidly as was expected. Time also proved to be an important factor in determining the extent of parasitism. Second-instar C. p. quinquefasciatus were invaded most readily by the parasite, 3rd-instar larvae were slightly less susceptible than 1st-intar larvae, and limited parasitism occurred in 4th-instar larvae. All parasitized larvae failed to pupate. In addition, salinity may be an important limitation on the habitats of Romanomermis sp.: parasitism was not observed when the culture water had concentrations above 0.04 M NaCl, and a sharp drop was evident at concentrations between 0.015 and 0.030 M NaCI.

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