Oviposition habitat selection by mosquitoes in response to predator (Notonecta maculata) density

• Published in: Physiological entomology Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 188 - 191
• Main Authors: Eitam, A, Blaustein, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK; Malden, USA Blackwell Science Ltd 01-06-2004; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: aquatic habitat; artificial pools; Biological control; Culex; Culex laticinctus; Culicidae; Culiseta; Culiseta longiareolata; Notonecta; Notonecta maculata; oviposition; oviposition site selection; oviposition sites; population density; predation; predation risk; predator-prey relationships; predatory insects; risk of predation; temporary ponds; temporary pools
• ISSN: 0307-6962; 1365-3032
• DOI: 10.1111/j.0307-6962.2004.0372.x

Some species of mosquitoes can detect the presence of predatory notonectid bugs and avoid oviposition in predator pools. The oviposition response of two mosquito species, Culiseta longiareolata Macquart and Culex laticinctus Edwards (Diptera: Culicidae), to a range of densities of the predator, Notonecta maculata Fabricius (Heteroptera: Notonectidae), was tested here. Densities of 0, 1, 2 or 4 Notonecta were established in 30-L artificial pools. Both mosquito species oviposited less in predator pools, but the response was unrelated to predator density, whereas vulnerability of Culiseta immatures to predation was density-dependent. Thus, although mosquitoes can detect Notonecta at any density within the range tested, they may be unable to discriminate among predator densities. The avoidance of predator pools by Culiseta, as well as its vulnerability to predation, occurred to a lesser degree than in earlier studies. This may have been due to the mitigating effects of components of the biotic community.