Oviposition habitat selection for a predator refuge and food source in a mosquito

Abstract

1. The influence of filamentous algae on oviposition habitat selection by the mosquito Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and the consequences of oviposition decisions on the diet, development, body size, and survival of offspring were examined.2. A natural population of An. pseudopunctipennis in Chiapas, Mexico, oviposited almost exclusively in containers with filamentous algae. Algae represented 47% of the gut contents of mosquito larvae sampled from the natural population. Mosquito larvae fed on an exclusive diet of algae developed as quickly and achieved the same adult body size (wing length) as their conspecifics fed on a standard laboratory diet.3. Multiple regression of survival of mosquito larvae on percentage surface area cover of algae (0-99%) and the density of predatory fish (zero to four fish per container) was best described by a second-order polynomial model. Increasing fish densities resulted in a reduction in mosquito survival in all algal treatments. The highest incidence of survival was observed at intermediate (66%) algal cover in all treatments.4. The presence of fish significantly extended larval development times whereas algal cover had no significant effect. The presence of fish resulted in emergence of smaller adults due to reduced feeding opportunities and predator avoidance behaviour. Algal cover also affected mosquito wing length but differently at each fish density. 5. Oviposition habitat selection improves survival in the presence of predators and feeding opportunities for An. pseudopunctipennis larvae.

Microbial larvicides for mosquito control: Impact of long lasting formulations ofBacillus thuringiensisvar.israelensisandBacillus sphaericuson non‐target organisms in western Kenya highlands

“…However, application of formulations that last longer in the environment raises concerns with respect to their impact on non‐target organisms (Boisvert & Boisvert, 1999; Dupont & Boisvert, 1986). Of particular importance in mosquito larvae ecology is the safety of microbial larvicides on beneficial organisms that help in regulating mosquito density in aquatic habitats (Åbjörnsson et al., 2002; Bond et al., 2005; Kiflawi et al., 2003; Lima, 1998; Petranka & Fakhoury, 1991; Spencer et al., 2002). The current study monitored the impact of two LLML formulations (FourStar ® and LL3) comprised of a combination of Bti and Bs on non‐target organisms cohabiting with mosquito larvae when applied at a recommended dosage under operational malaria vector control in western Kenya highlands.…”

“…In addition to direct predation, the predators cause considerable indirect impacts on the population dynamics of the prey species (Åbjörnsson, Brönmark, & Hansson, 2002; Lima, 1998). Studies have shown that increased anti‐predator behavior such as avoiding colonizing habitats with predators translates into increase in duration of gonotrophic period of the prey and hence in a reduction in reproductive output (Åbjörnsson et al., 2002; Bond, Arredondo‐Jiménez, Rodríguez, Quiroz‐Martínez, & Williams, 2005; Lima, 1998; Petranka & Fakhoury, 1991). Anti‐predator behavior has also been linked with reduced energy intake and long‐term survival of the prey.…”

Lethal and Sublethal Impacts of Predaceous BackswimmerAnisops wakefieldi(Hemiptera: Notonectidae) on the Life-History Traits of the New Zealand MosquitoCulex pervigilans(Diptera: Culicidae)

“…This avoidance behavior may result in a reduction of food intake and ultimately a reduction in the reproductive success of prey (Gerritsen andStrickler 1977, Werner andAnholt 1996). Bond et al (2005) found that predatory Þsh reduced larval mosquito feeding opportunities. As a result, the mosquitoes exhibited extended larval development times, adult mosquitoes were signiÞcantly smaller, and they had higher mortality compared with when predators were absent (Bond et al 2005).…”

Effects of Habitat Permanence Cues on Larval Abundance of Two Mosquito Species

“…The pH level is therefore a cue to food resource. Previous studies also have reported that ponds with high pH and increased levels of algae are preferred oviposition habitats for other species of Anopheles (Bradshaw & Holzapfel, 1988;Bond et al, 2005), although another study (Herrel et al, 2001) found no significant correlation of Anopheles immatures with pH, or with water temperature, dissolved oxygen, or conductivity. In contrast, O. notoscriptus attained higher abundance in mesocosms that contained high concentrations of drought water (Fig.…”