Effects of Metarhizium robertsii on the bloodsucking mosquito Aedes flavescens and non‐target predatory insects (Odonata)

The effects of different concentrations and methods of treatment with Metarhizium robertsii Bisch., Rehner & Humber conidia on the non‐target aquatic dragonfly larvae Lestes sponsa Hansemann, Lestes dryas Kirby and Aeshna affinis Vander Linden and on the target bloodsucking mosquito larvae Aedes (O.) flavescens (Muller) were analysed. We found that dragonflies are significantly less susceptible than mosquitoes to the fungus. Larvae of L. sponsa larvae were more susceptible to wet conidia than dry conidia. However, the mortality of the air‐breathing larvae of A. affinis was significantly higher after treatment with dry conidia relative to aqueous suspension. The results help to minimize the negative effects of entomopathogenic fungi on non‐target predator insects under the control of mosquito larvae.