Description and Factors Affecting Activities of Gammarus sp., a Crustacean Predator of Culex pipiens Mosquito Larvae in Egypt.

A species of a fresh water amphipod, Gammarus sp., collected from Wadi El-Rayan, Fayoum governorate, Egypt was described. Predation rate of Gammarus sp. on mosquito larvae was calculated. Gammarus sp. was found feeding on second instars more than first ones and it didn't feed on 3rd or 4th instars mosquito larvae. Effect of light and aeration on the survival of Gammarus sp. was also tested. Light had no significant effect on the survival of Gammarus, while aeration significantly increased its life period under laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]