Rearing Protocol for Culex quinquefasciatus

Abstract

Mosquitoes are vectors capable of transmitting various life-threatening diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, and so on. They are reared in the laboratories for conducting various studies such as vector biology, vector competence, mechanism of disease transmission, to check the efficiency and follow-up of various control methods, insecticide susceptibility, and vaccine trials. Moreover, mass rearing of mosquitoes is required for sterile insect technique (SIT) to control mosquitoes. Successful breeding of mosquitoes requires attention to detail and depends upon various factors such as quality and quantity of larval food, temperature, humidity, population size, mating, blood feeding, and egg laying. Culex quinquefasciatus is a vector of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and a cosmopolitan mosquito, abundant in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, a simple and convenient rearing protocol for Culex quinquefasciatus has been discussed.