Resumen Diferentes estudios han evaluado la actividad biocida de aceites esenciales (AEs) en larvas de mosquitos de importancia médica. Sin embargo, son limitadas las investigaciones que analizan los efectos de los AEs en todos los estadíos del ciclo de vida de Aedes aegypti. Este estudio evalúa la actividad biológica del AE de Salvia officinalis frente a Ae. aegypti. Se evaluó la actividad ovicida a concentraciones de 1, 5, 37 y 50 mg.L-1 en huevos de 0-12 h y huevos de 0-72 h. La actividad larvicida, pupicida y adulticida fue evaluada a concentraciones exploratorias (CE) y múltiples. Para la actividad repelente se empleó una CE de 1.000 mg.L-1 en intervalos de 0-2 min y de 2-15 min de exposición en antebrazos de voluntarios. La actividad disuasiva de oviposición se estimó a CE de 5, 50 y 200 mg.L-1. El AE causó malformaciones en embriones y alteración de las larvas. La mayor actividad larvicida fue a 63 y 76 mg.L-1 (27 ± 13,4 y 37 ± 18,6 %) a 24 h. La mayor mortalidad pupicida fue a 310 y 390 mg.L-1 (89 ± 1,53 and 100 ± 0 %) a las 48 h. La mortalidad adulticida a 300 mg.L-1 fue de 57,5 ± 0 % y el porcentaje de repelencia fue de 42 ± 4,7 %. La acción disuasiva a 200 mg.L-1fue de 97 ± 4,81 %, con un índice de actividad de ovipostura de -0,94. S. officinalis mostró un efecto biocida en embriones y mortalidad de pupas y adultos, lo que revela que tiene un uso potencial en programas de control focalizados en estos estadios de desarrollo.

Abstract Different studies have evaluated the biocidal activity of essential oils (EO) in mosquito larvae of medical importance. However, limited research focused on analyzing the EO effect at all the stages of the life cycle of Aedes aegypti has been done. This study evaluates the biological activity of the EO Salvia officinalis against Ae. aegypti. The ovicidal activity was evaluated at 1, 5, 37 and 50 mg.L-1 concentrations in eggs from 0-12 h and eggs from 0-72 h. Larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal activities were assessed at exploratory concentrations (EC) and multiple concentrations. We employed an EC of 1,000 mg.L-1 for repellent activity and used an exposure time of 0-2 min and 2-15 min on the forearms of volunteers. The deterrent action was estimated at EC of 5, 50 and 200 mg.L-1. The EO caused malformations in embryos as well as larvae alteration. The highest larvicidal activity was at 63 and 76 mg.L-1(27 ± 13.4 and 37 ± 18.6 %) with 24 h exposure. The greatest pupicidal mortality was at 310 and 390 mg.L-1 (89 ± 1.53 and 100 ± 0 %) with 48 h exposure. Adulticidal mortality at 300 mg.L-1 was 57.5 ± 0 % and the percentage of repellency was 42 ± 4.7 %. The dissuasive action at 200 mg.L-1 was 97 ± 4.81 %, with an oviposition activity rate of -0.94. S. officinalis showed a biocidal effect on embryos and mortality of pupae and adults, indicating that its potential use in control programs should be focused on these stages of development.

Abstract Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of arboviral pathogens that may cause diseases as dengue fever, chikungunya and zika. The harmful environmental effects of commercial pesticides coalesced with the development of insecticide-resistant populations encourage the discovery and generation of new alternative products as a tool to reduce the incidence of vector-borne diseases. In this work, through the classic three component Strecker reaction of commercial benzaldehydes, cyclic secondary amines and KCN, a new series of nine α-amino nitriles, girgensohnine analogs, has been synthetized and screened for larvicide and adulticide properties against A. aegypti, one of the dominant vectors of dengue, chikungunya and zika in tropical and subtropical areas all over the world. Molecules 3 and 4 were identified as potential larvicidal agents with LC50 values of 50.55 and 69.59 ppm, respectively. Molecule 3 showed 100% of mortality after 2 h of treatment when a concentration of 30 ppm in adulticidal assays was evaluated. Additionally, in order to elucidate the mode of action of these molecules, their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory properties were evaluated using the Ellman assay. It was found that the molecules possess a weak AChE inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 148.80 and 259.40 µM, indicating that AChE could not be a principal target for insecticide activity.

Abstract The search for new insecticides to control dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika vectors has gained relevance in the past decades. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the larvicidal action of essential oils (EOs) from Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis, Lippia origanoides, Eucalyptus globulus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cymbopogon martinii, Lippia alba, Pelargonium graveolens, Turnera diffusa, and Swinglea glutinosa on Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti. The EOs were extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The chemical components of the EOs were identified by linear retention indices and mass spectra. Lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC95) were determined by probit analysis using larvae of Ae. aegypti between the third and the fourth instars. All EOs achieved larvicidal activity at LC50 values lower than 115 mg/L. The lowest LC50 value (45.73 mg/L) corresponded to T. vulgaris EO, whereas C. martinii EO showed the highest LC50 (LC50 = 114.65 mg/L). Some EO mixtures showed lower LC50 than oils used individually, such as the mixtures of L. origanoides + S. glutinosa (LC50 = 38.40 mg/L), T. diffusa + S. glutinosa (LC50 = 63.71 mg/L), and L. alba + S. glutinosa (LC50 = 48.87 mg/L). The main compounds of the EOs with highest larvicidal activity were thymol (42%) and p-cymene (26.4%).

RESUMEN Introducción. El alcaloide natural girgensohnina se ha usado como modelo en la síntesis de nuevos análogos de alcaloidales alfa-aminonitrílicos con efecto insecticida en vectores de enfermedades. Objetivo. Evaluar la actividad biocida de análogos de girgensohnina y de aceites esenciales de las plantas Cymbopogon flexuosus, Citrus sinensis y Eucalyptus citriodora en ninfas de estadios I y V de Rhodnius prolixus. Materiales y métodos. Se empleó la aplicación tópica en terguitos, esternitos y superficies tratadas con diferentes dosis exploratorias de cada una de las moléculas y aceites esenciales para determinar las dosis letales (LD50 y LD95). Resultados. El análogo 3 tuvo la mayor actividad insecticida, con una mortalidad de 83,3±16,7% en los terguitos, de 38,9±4,8 % en los esternitos y de 16,7±0 % a las 72 horas en ninfas de estadioI expuestas a superficies tratadas y 500 mg.L-1. En las ninfas de estadio V solo se presentó mortalidad en los esternitos (11,1±9,6 % con el análogo 6 y 5,5±4,7 % con los análogos 3 y 7 a las 72 h y 1.500 mg.L-1). Las dosis letales para la molécula 3 en los terguitos de ninfas de estadio I fueron las siguientes: DL50, 225,60 mg.L-1 y DL95, 955,90 mg.L-1. En cuanto a los aceites esenciales, el efecto insecticida solo se presentó con C. flexuosus (11,1±4,8%) en los esternitos de ninfas de estadio I expuestas a superficies tratadas; con C. sinensis (5,6±4,8%) en los terguitos y en los esternitos (8,3±0%) a las 72 horas y 1.000 mg.L-1. Conclusión. Los análogos sintéticos del alcaloide girgensohnina y los aceites esenciales de C. flexuosus y C. sinensis exhibieron actividad insecticida en R. prolixus. El análogo 3 exhibió la mayor actividad insecticida de todas las moléculas evaluadas bajo las condiciones de laboratorio.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The alkaloid girgensohnine has been used as a natural model in the synthesis of new alkaloid-like alpha-aminonitriles with insecticidal effect against disease vectors. Objective: To evaluate the biocide activity of girgensohnine analogues and essential oils of Cymbopogon flexuosus, Citrus sinensis and Eucalyptus citriodora in stage I and stage V Rhodnius prolixus nymphs. Materials and methods: We used a topical application model in tergites and sternites, as well as exposure to treated surfaces with different exploratory doses of each of the molecules and essential oils to determine the lethal doses (LD50 and LD95). Results: Analogue 3 showed the highest insecticidal activity with 83.3±16.7% of mortality when applied on tergites, 38.9±4.8% on sternites and 16.7±0% on treated surfaces in stage I nymphs at 72 hours (h) and 500 mg.L-1. In stage V nymphs, the compounds induced mortality only in sternums (11.1±9.6% for analogue 6 and 5.5±4.7% for analogues 3 and 7 at 72 h and 1500 mg.L-1). The lethal doses for molecule 3 on tergites in stage I nymphs were LD50 225.60 mg.L-1 and LD95 955.90 mg.L-1. The insecticidal effect of essential oils was observed only in stage I nymphs, with 11.1±4.8% for C. flexuosus when applied in sternites, while using exposure to surfaces treated it was 5.6±4.8% for C. sinensis applied on tergites and 8.3±0% on sternites at 72 h and 1000 mg.L-1. Conclusion: Synthetic girgensohnine analogues, and C. flexuosus and C. sinensis essential oils showed insecticidal activity in R. prolixus. Analogue 3 showed the greatest insecticidal activity among all molecules and oils evaluated under our laboratory conditions.

El dengue se incrementó drásticamente desde 1995 en el Estado de Paraná sin una explicación consistente. En un intento de contribuir con información a este problema, fue analizada la susceptibilidad de A. aegypti al insecticida temefos en varios municipios del Estado de Paraná, así como la variación estacional de la ovoposición de Aedes spp. en Maringá y Jacarezinho. La comparación del porcentaje de mortalidad y tasa de resistencia RR95 de CD = 0,0060 mg/L a temefos de la cepa Rockefeller con los individuos de las localidades seleccionadas mostró como resistentes a las poblaciones del vector de Foz de Iguazú (67,5 ± 7,7; RR95 = 3,9), Paranavaí (58,1 ± 14; RR95 = 3,4), Maringá (57,8 ± 5,2; RR95 = 6,9), Ibipora (68,75 ± 3,9; RR95 = 6,6) y Jacarezinho (73,3 ± 7,5; RR95 = 3) y una incipiente alteración de la susceptibilidad en la población de Cambé (81,56 ± 10; RR95 = 2,6). Las poblaciones del vector de Maringá e Ibipora presentaron resistencia media (RR95 > 5 e < 10) y las demás, baja resistencia (RR95 < 5). En Maringá e Ibipora la fluctuación de ovoposición fue menor en invierno.

The number of dengue cases has increased drastically the state of Paraná since 1995 without a consistent explanation. In order to contribute to this subject, the susceptibility of A. aegypti to the insecticide temephos was evaluated in several municipalities in Paraná, along with seasonal variation of oviposition of Aedes spp. in Maringá and Jacarezinho. Comparison of mortality and resistance rates RR95 (CD = 0.0060 mg/L) of the Rockefeller temephos strain (Rock) on individuals from these locales showed that vector populations from Foz do Iguaju (67.5 ± 7.7; RR95 = 3.9), Paranavaí (58.1 ± 14; RR95 = 3.4), Maringá (57.8 ± 5.2; RR95 = 6.9), Ibipora (68.75 ± 3.9; rR95 = 6.6), and Jacarezinho (73.3 ± 7.5; RR95 = 3) were resistant; while those from Cambé (81.56 ± 10; RR95 = 2.6) had an incipient change in susceptibility. The vector populations in Maringá and Ibipora displayed average resistances (RR95 > 5 and < 10), while the others showed low resistance (RR95 < 5). In Maringá and Jacarezinho, oviposition fluctuation was lower in winter.

Mosquito control prevails as the most efficient method to protect humans from the dengue virus, despite recent efforts to find a vaccine for this disease. We evaluated insecticide resistance and genetic variability in natural populations of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) from Colombia. This is the first Colombian study examining kdr mutations and population structure. Bioassays with larvae of three mosquito populations (Armenia, Calarcá and Montenegro) were performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, using Temephos. For the analysis of the Val1016Ile mutation and genetic diversity, we sampled recently-emerged adults from four mosquito populations (Armenia, Calarcá, Montenegro and Barcelona). Following the WHO protocol, bioassays implemented with larvae showed resistance to Temephos in mosquito populations from Armenia (77% ± 2) and Calarcá (62% ± 14), and an incipient altered susceptibility at Montenegro (88% ± 8). The RR95 of mosquito populations ranged from 3.7 (Montenegro) to 6.0 (Calarca). The Val1016Ile mutation analysis of 107 genotyped samples indicates that 94% of the specimens were homozygous for the wild allele (1016Val) and 6% were heterozygous (Val1016Ile). The 1016Ile allele was not found in Barcelona. Genetic variability analysis found three mitochondrial lineages with low genetic diversity and gene flow. In comparison with haplotypes from the American continent, those from this study suggest connections with Mexican and North American populations. These results confirm that a continuous monitoring and managing program of A. aegypti resistance in the state of Quindío is required.

Se evalúan productos de origen vegetal en busca de sustancias bioactivas que tengan la capacidad de reducir la dependencia de insecticidas organofosforados y piretroides, a los que las poblaciones de insectos se han vuelto resistentes. Por esta razón el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si los aceites esenciales de Guatteria hispida, G. blepharophylla y G. friesiana presentan efecto insecticida contra A. aegypti bajo condiciones de laboratorio. Los aceites esenciales se extrajeron a través de hidrodestilación por medio de un aparato tipo Clevenger, analizados por Cromatografía Gaseosa acoplada a Espectrometría de Masas (CG-EM) y Resonancia Magnética Nuclear (RMN). Los bioensa-yos se analizaron de acuerdo con el modelo Probit. Los análisis de (CG-EM) y (RMN) confrmaron que las hojas de G. blepharophylla presentan óxido de cariofileno como el principal componente; en G. friesiana fue a-, b- y g-eudesmol, y en G. hispida a- y b-pineno y (E)-cariofileno fueron los compuestos predominantes. La concentraciones letales CL50, CL95 y CL99 fueron respectivamente 85,74, 199,35 y 282,76ppm para G. hispida; 58.72, 107.6 y 138.37 ppm para G. blepharophylla; 52,6, 94,37 y 120,22ppm para G. friesiana. El aceite extraído de G. friesiana presentó el mejor efecto insecticida.

the products of vegetal origin were assessed for bioactive substances to reduce reliance on organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides, to which insect populations have become resistant. For this reason the aim of this study was to assess whether the essential oils of Guatteria hispida, G. blepharophylla and G. friesiana have insecticidal effect against A. aegypti under laboratory conditions. Essential oils were extracted through hydrodistillation using a modifed Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by Gas Chromatography (CG-FID), Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spec-trometry (GC-MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). the bioassays were analyzed according to the Probit model. The GC-MS and NMR analyses confrmed that the leaves of G. blepharophylla have the caryophyllene oxide as their main component; in G. friesiana the a-,b- and g-eudesmols prevail, and in G. hispida a- and b-pinene, and (E)-caryophyllene are the predominant compounds. the lethal concentrations LC50, LC95 and LC99, were respectively 85.74, 199.35 and 282.76ppm for G. hispida; 58.72, 107.6 and 138.37ppm for G. blepharophylla; and 52.6, 94.37 and 120.22ppm for G. friesiana. the oil extracted from G. friesiana presented the best insecticidal effect.

Objetivo: Analizar la distribución espacial y temporal del dengue en el Estado de Paraná y su relación con el incremento de los casos en las áreas de frontera 1995-2007. Métodos: Datos de la ocurrencia de los casos autóctonos e importados en cada municipio paranaense fueron geo-referenciados con ArcVier GIS 3.2 fue también realizado un análisis de correlación de Pearson (r), relacionando el número de casos del Estado de Paraná con los Estados de Mato Grosso y São Paulo, Brasil, Argentina y Paraguay. Resultados: El análisis de los mapas permitió reconocer áreas con mayor incidencia de virus y la dirección de la dispersión en el Estado. Se notaron tres olas epidémicas, con picos en los bienios 1995/96, 2002/03 y 2006/07. Se destacan las regiones metropolitanas de Londrina y Maringá y la ciudad de Foz do Iguaçu, como grandes centros urbanos y con elevado número de casos del dengue. Las áreas formadas por las mesoregiones Oeste, Centro-Oeste, Noroeste, Norte-Central y Norte Pionero contribuyeron con 98,47% del total de casos, siendo 99,98% autóctonos. Conclusiones: La ocurrencia de olas epidémicas y la continua notificación de casos de dengue, con confirmación serológica, es un indicio de que este problema se ha transformado en endémico en el Estado. Es observado que el mayor número de casos en el estado de Paraná ocurre en las fronteras con Paraguay y límites con el Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Salud UIS 2010; 42: 113-122.

Objectives: To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of dengue in the Paraná state and its relationship to the rising of number of cases in the border areas from 1995 to 2007. Methods: Data of occurrence of autochthonous and allochthonous dengue cases in Paraná were georeferenced whit ArcView GIS 3.2. It was also performed an analysis of the Pearson correlation (r) between the total number cases to State of Paraná with Mato Grosso and São Paulo states, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Results: The maps' analysis allowed the recognition of areas with higher dengue incidence and the direction of dispersion within the State. It is outstanding the occurrence of three epidemical waves with peaks in 1995/96, 2002/03 and 2006/07. It highlights the metropolitan regions of Londrina and Maringá and the city of Foz do Iguaçu, as large urban centers, present a high number of dengue cases. The area that comprises the West, Mid-west, Northwest, Mid-north and the so-called "Pioneer North" mesoregions contributed with 98.47% of the total number of cases and with 99.98% of solely the autochthonous ones. Conclusions: The occurrence of epidemic waves and the notification of continuous cases of dengue, with serologic confirmation, it is an indication that this disease has become endemic in the state. It is observed that the largest number of cases in the Parana state occurs in the border areas with Paraguay and currency with the Mato Grosso do Sul state. Salud UIS 2010; 42: 113-122.

Objetivos: Analisar a distribuição espacial e temporal da dengue no Estado do Paraná e sua relação com o incremento de número de casos das áreas de fronteira entre 1995 e 2007. Métodos: Dados de ocorrência dos casos de dengue autóctones e importados em cada município paranaense foram georreferenciados com ArcView GIS 3.2. Foi realizada também uma análise de correlação de Pearson (r), relacionando o número de casos do Estado de Paraná com os Estados do Mato Grosso e São Paulo, Brasil, Argentina e Paraguai. Resultados: A análise dos mapas permitiu reconhecer áreas com maior incidência da virose e a direção da dispersão no Estado. É notável a ocorrência de três ondas epidêmicas, com picos nos biênios 1995/96, 2002/03 e 2006/07. Destacam-se as Regiões Metropolitanas de Londrina e Maringá e a cidade de Foz do Iguaçu, como grandes centros urbanos e com elevado número de casos da dengue. A área formada pelas mesorregiões Oeste, Centro-Oeste, Noroeste, Norte-Central e Norte Pioneiro contribuíram com 98,47% do total de casos, sendo 99,98% autóctones. Conclusões: A ocorrência de ondas epidêmicas e a contínua notificação de casos de dengue, com confirmação sorológica, é um indício de que este agravo se tornou endêmico no Estado. É observado que o maior número de casos no Estado do Paraná ocorre nas áreas de fronteira com o Paraguai e divisa com o Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Salud UIS 2010; 42: 113-122

A seleção de locais adequados pelas fêmeas de mosquitos para depositarem seus ovos é um fator chave para a sobrevivência de seus imaturos (ovos e larvas). O conhecimento das relações ecológicas implicadas neste processo é de grande importância quando se refere a vetores de agentes patogênicos. A determinação do local de oviposição pelas fêmeas grávidas envolve uma rede de mensagens químicas, visuais, olfativas e táteis que facilitam a localização de lugares adequados para depositarem seus ovos. Neste trabalho é apresentada uma revisão bibliográfica dos principais aspectos relacionados com semioquímicos presentes na oviposição dos mosquitos auxiliando no entendimento dos mecanismos de atuação dos mesmos e potencializando a aplicação destes semioquímicos como uma possível ferramenta de monitoramento e controle de Culicidae.

The choice for suitable places for female mosquitoes to lay eggs is a key-factor for the survival of immature stages (eggs and larvae). This knowledge stands out in importance concerning the control of disease vectors. The selection of a place for oviposition requires a set of chemical, visual, olfactory and tactile cues that interact with the female before laying eggs, helping the localization of adequate sites for oviposition. The present paper presents a bibliographic revision on the main aspects of semiochemicals in regard to mosquitoes' oviposition, aiding the comprehension of their mechanisms and estimation of their potential as a tool for the monitoring and control of the Culicidae.

Foi elaborado um modelo matemático do controle biológico de Aedes aegypti com foco em Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti). Na construção do modelo foram utilizados dados da literatura sobre a biologia do vetor, no qual o ciclo de vida foi descrito através de equações diferenciais. As concentrações letais (CL50 e CL95) do Bti foram determinadas no laboratório sob diferentes condições experimentais. As variáveis temperatura, colônia, densidade de larvas e concentração do bioinseticida acusaram diferenças significativas quando analisadas no modelo geral, porém quando analisadas individualmente, apenas a temperatura e concentração apresentaram diferenças. As simulações do modelo indicam que a temperatura afeta inversamente a produção de indivíduos e que os pontos máximos de produção de mosquitos são atingidos mais rápido a temperaturas maiores. Concluímos, com a simulação do modelo, que estratégias integradas de controle de imaturos e adultos devem ser utilizadas para atingir redução expressiva da população de Aedes aegypti.

The dynamics of the control of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti Linnaeus, (Diptera, Culicidae) by Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis has been related with the temperature, density and concentration of the insecticide. A mathematical model for biological control of Aedes aegypti with Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) was constructed by using data from the literature regarding the biology of the vector. The life cycle was described by differential equations. Lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC95) of Bti were determined in the laboratory under different experimental conditions. Temperature, colony, larvae density and bioinsecticide concentration presented marked differences in the analysis of the whole set of variables; although when analyzed individually, only the temperature and concentration showed changes. The simulations indicated an inverse relationship between temperature and mosquito population, nonetheless, faster growth of populations is reached at higher temperatures. As conclusion, the model suggests the use of integrated control strategies for immature and adult mosquitoes in order to achieve a reduction of Aedes aegypti.

OBJETIVOS: Se presenta un modelo de simulación que muestra la dinámica de depredación de Mesocyclops spp., sobre Aedes aegypti MÉTODOS: Representado por cuatro ecuaciones diferenciales: H'(t), cantidad de huevos; L'(t), cantidad de larvas; A'(t), cantidad de adultos y C'(t), cantidad de copépodos. Inicialmente las ecuaciones son del tipo clásico presa-depredador, según Lotka y Volterra. Posteriormente se modifica en un sistema con respuesta funcional para invertebrados, según Holling. RESULTADOS: El primer sistema controla y estabiliza la población de mosquitos, el segundo muestra que los copepodos son inefectivos como controladores. CONCLUSIONES: Se reconoce la necesidad de estudiar sistemas presa depredador (mosquitos - copepodos) con trabajos que integren pruebas de laboratorio y de campo. Solo así será posible establecer la validez en el uso de estos últimos como controladores biológicos efectivos de mosquitos.

OBJETIVE: A simulation model is presented to show the predation dynamics of Mesocyclops spp. over Aedes aegypti.i METHODS: The system is represented through four differential equations. H'(t), quantity of eggs; L'(t), quantity of larvae; A'(t), quantity of adults and C'(t), quantity of copepods. Initially the equations are of the classic predator-prey type, according to Lotka (1924) and Volterra (1926). Then it is modified into a system with functional response for invertebrates, according to Holling. RESULTS: The first system effectively controls and stabilizes the mosquito population, while the second suggests that copepods may be ineffective as mosquito controllers. CONCLUSIONS: The need to study predator-prey systems (copepodos-mosquitos) with projects that integrate laboratory and of field tests is recognized. Only then will it be possible to establish the validity of predators as effective biological controllers of mosquitoes.

OBJETIVE: A simulation model is presented to show the predation dynamics of Mesocyclops spp. over Aedes aegypti.i METHODS: The system is represented through four differential equations. H'(t), quantity of eggs; L'(t), quantity of larvae; A'(t), quantity of adults and C'(t), quantity of copepods. Initially the equations are of the classic predator-prey type, according to Lotka (1924) and Volterra (1926). Then it is modified into a system with functional response for invertebrates, according to Holling. RESULTS: The first system effectively controls and stabilizes the mosquito population, while the second suggests that copepods may be ineffective as mosquito controllers. CONCLUSIONS: The need to study predator-prey systems (copepodos-mosquitos) with projects that integrate laboratory and of field tests is recognized. Only then will it be possible to establish the validity of predators as effective biological controllers of mosquitoes.

OBJETIVOS: Se presenta un modelo de simulación que muestra la dinámica de depredación de Mesocyclops spp., sobre Aedes aegypti MÉTODOS: Representado por cuatro ecuaciones diferenciales: H'(t), cantidad de huevos; L'(t), cantidad de larvas; A'(t), cantidad de adultos y C'(t), cantidad de copépodos. Inicialmente las ecuaciones son del tipo clásico presa-depredador, según Lotka y Volterra. Posteriormente se modifica en un sistema con respuesta funcional para invertebrados, según Holling. RESULTADOS: El primer sistema controla y estabiliza la población de mosquitos, el segundo muestra que los copepodos son inefectivos como controladores. CONCLUSIONES: Se reconoce la necesidad de estudiar sistemas presa depredador (mosquitos - copepodos) con trabajos que integren pruebas de laboratorio y de campo. Solo así será posible establecer la validez en el uso de estos últimos como controladores biológicos efectivos de mosquitos.