Influence of Low Static Magnetic Field (SMF) on Immature Development and Survival of The Mosquito, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

In this study, experiments were performed to investigate the effect of the low static magnetic field (SMF) on hatchability, development, and survival of Culex pipiens mosquito immature under laboratory conditions. Egg-rafts of Cx. pipiens were exposed to SMF at different intensities of 5 mT, 25 mT, and 50 mT for 20 minutes at a temperature of 28±1 oC. Hatching rate, hatching delay time, and larval development significantly affected by SMF. The numbers of hatched larvae decreased with increasing SMF at 50 mT (133.33 ± 6.0) as compared to the control (302.23 ± 10.9). Also, the hatching rate significantly lengthened (P < 0.05) with high intensity of SMF. A total of 88.3% and 44.33% eggs hatched at 5 mT and 50 mT, respectively. For Cx. pipiens immatures, the duration time shortened and survival (%) reduced after exposure to high dose (50 mT) than to low dose (5 mT). We concluded that SMF affects egg hatchability and immature development which could be applied as a strategy in mosquito control.