Predator presence influences life history traits of Aedes aegypti

Abstract

Predator-prey relationships are not limited to predation. A predator may release chemical cues that may directly affect the physiology and behavior of a prey by fear and intimidation. Our objective was testing the effect of the body size of predator (dragon y larvae) on the larval development time and mortality, as also, on the survival, wing asymmetry and adult size of Ae. aegypti. Using a microcosm set-up, we simulated the predation risk by dragon ies (Odonata, Libelulidae family) over Aedes aegypti. Microcosms consisted of 40 larvae of Ae. aegypti under the indirect effect of predators with different body sizes (four treatments comprising different body size classes; n = 5 per treatment). We found that intermediate-sized predators had the highest effects on the mosquito's life history traits. Predator presence increased prey larval mortality (±150%) and accelerated development times (±33%), and reduced adult body size (± 24%) and survival (56%). On the other hand, no change in asymmetries of wings size was observed in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Therefore, our results support that both predator presence and size are responsible for changes in Ae. aegyptitraits during the larval and adult stages.

Female oviposition preferences and larval behavior of the Aedes aegypti mosquito (Linnaeus, 1762) exposed to predator cues (Odonata: Libellulidae)

“…This balance between foraging and avoidance behaviors can impact their overall development (Merrit et al, 1992;Kneitel & Miller, 2002;Schmitz et al, 2010). Foraging activity, even when approached cautiously, may elevate the chances of larvae falling prey to predators, but it remains a vital aspect of their development (Chandrasegaran et al, 2017;Borges et al, 2023), observations align with the findings of our experiment.…”

“…The benefits from more organic matter in sites with predators may be overridden by the costs of modified behavior to mitigate predation risk, resulting in the inefficient allocation of resources (Sih, 1980). This process may undermine growth and development, ultimately leading to prolonged emergence times (Bellamy & Alto, 2018;Cozzer et al, 2023). The stress imposed by predators within the developmental environment can exert a direct influence on the life history of these organisms (Andrade et al, 2017;Bellamy & Alto, 2018).…”

“…The stress imposed by predators within the developmental environment can exert a direct influence on the life history of these organisms (Andrade et al, 2017;Bellamy & Alto, 2018). This influence may manifest as alterations in body size and lifespan, subsequently impacting adult survival (Andrade et al, 2017;Borges et al, 2023).…”