Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2007
Keywords
adult mass, bacteria, container mosquito, survival, TREE-HOLE ECOSYSTEMS, WEST-NILE-VIRUS, TRISERIATUS DIPTERA, AEGYPTI, DIPTERA, MICROBIAL COMMUNITY, FEEDING-BEHAVIOR, LARVAL MOSQUITOS, LEAF, DETRITUS, COMPETITION, OCHLEROTATUS, Entomology, Veterinary Sciences
Abstract
Compared with plant detritus, animal detritus yields higher growth rates, survival, adult mass, and population growth of container-dwelling mosquitoes. It is unclear whether the benefit from animal detritus to larvae results from greater microorganism growth, direct ingestion of animal detritus by larvae, or some other mechanism. We tested alternative mechanisms by which animal detritus may benefit the invasive container-dwelling mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae). In the laboratory, larvae were reared under three conditions with access to 1) detritus, but where microorganisms in the water column were reduced through periodic flushing; 2) water column microorganisms, but larvae had no direct access to detritus; or 3) both water column microorganisms and detritus. Access treatments were conducted for three masses of animal detritus: 0.005, 0.010, and 0.020 g. Water column bacterial productivity (measured via incorporation of [H-3]leucine) decreased significantly with flushing and with larval presence. Removing microorganisms through flushing significantly reduced mass of adult mosquitoes (both sexes), and it significantly prolonged developmental times of females compared with treatments where water column microorganisms or microorganisms and detritus were available. Survival to adulthood was greatest when larvae had access to both water column microorganisms and 0.020 g of detritus, but it declined when only water column microorganisms were available or when 0.005 g of detritus was used. These findings indicate both direct (as a food source) and indirect (assisting with decomposition of detritus) roles of microorganisms in producing the benefit of animal detritus to container mosquito larvae.
Recommended Citation
Yee, Donald A.; Kesavaraju, Banugopan; and Juliano, Steven A., "Direct and indirect effects of animal detritus on growth, survival, and mass of invasive container mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera : Culicidae" (2007). Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences. 23.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/fpbiosci/23
Comments
This article is the copyright property of the Entomological Society of America and may not be used for any commercial or other private purpose without specific written permission of the Entomological Society of America.