Larvicidal Toxicity of Octopus cyanea Ink against Aedes aegypti Larvae

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a key vector for serious diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunyaand yellow fever, necessitating effective control measures. Conventional chemical insecticides face challenges such as insecticide resistance and environmental impact, prompting the exploration of alternative strategies. This study investigates the larvicidal potential of Octopus cyanea ink against Ae. aegypti larvae as a natural biocontrol agent.

O. cyanea ink, known for its complex bioactive compounds, was tested against fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti after 24 and 48 hours of exposure at different concentrations ranged between 100–600 ppm.

The study revealed a dose- and time-dependent increase in larval mortality, with the highest concentration (600 ppm) causing up to 98.33% mortality within 48 hours. Probit analysis indicated LC₅₀ values of 311.31 ppm at 24 hours and 180.11 ppm at 48 hours, suggesting increased efficacy over time. The findings underscore the potential of O. cyanea ink as an eco-friendly, natural larvicide, offering a promising alternative to synthetic chemicals. The study highlights the need for further research, including field trials and chemical characterization of the ink, to develop new sustainable approaches for mosquito control and to combat the growing issue of insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti populations.