Background: The escalating threat of mosquito-borne diseases demands innovative control strategies. This study explored the potential of beetle-associated fungi as biological control agents against Culex mosquito larvae in southwestern Algeria. 
 
Methods: Fungal strains were isolated from beetle carcasses collected from pesticide-free regions of Beni Abb&egrave;s and B&eacute;char using dilution plating techniques. Based on metabolic profiles, four strains were selected for bioassays: Three Aspergillus species and one Penicillium species. Culex larvae were exposed to fungal concentration of 106&nbsp;conidia/ml in sterile rearing water. Larval mortality was monitored daily over seven days. 
 
Result: The results demonstrated significant larval mortality across all fungal strains. Aspergillus species showed faster mortality rates within three to five days, while Penicillium sp took seven days to show complete death. The LT50&nbsp;values also confirm the rapid action of Aspergillus strains with Aspergillus sp 1 showing the most potent activity (LT50=1.25 days). On the other hand, Penicillium sp was slower with an LT50&nbsp;value of 3 days, these findings highlight the power EPF associated with beetles to be an effective tool for mosquito management in the region. 
&nbsp;

Unveiling the Entomopathogenic Potential of Beetle-associated Fungi for Culex Management in South-West Algeria

Background: Diseases vectored by mosquitoes are one of the major causes of diseases and death worldwide. Insecticide resistance of Cx. pipiens increased the suffering of the people. Plants are a promising source of secondary metabolites to help resolve this problem. 
 
Methods: This study investigated the larvicidal potential of N. oleander methanol aqueous extract against Cx. Pipiens. 
 
Result: Post 24 h, 48 h and 72 h of exposure, the LC50 value was 4.94&nbsp;mg/mL, and the LC90 value was 8.01 mg/mL. After 72 h of exposure, the values were 2.93 mg/mL and 4.79 mg/mL, respectively. Larvae treated with N. oleander leaf extract displayed degraded microvilli, degenerating peritrophic membrane&nbsp;and degenerating nuclei with blebbing compared to the control. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eleven phytoconstituents in the leaf extract. 1-Methyl-1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)thio]acetic acid (80.67%), 2-Furancarboxaldehyde, 5-1&nbsp;(hydroxymethyl)- (8.10%), and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (4.33%) were the main secondary metabolites found in the leaf extract.

Unveiling the Entomopathogenic Potential of Beetle-associated Fungi for Culex Management in South-West Algeria

Nerium oleander Leaf Extract Causes Midgut Damage and Interferes with the Survival of Culex pipiens L. Larvae