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Published on: September 12, 2020
Crustacean biodiversity as an important factor for mosquito larval control
Iris Kroeger1, Sabine Duquesne, Matthias Liess
1UFZ, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of System-Ecotoxicology, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany; Quantitative Landscape Ecology, Institute for Environmental Science, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany.
Crustacean biodiversity in new ponds significantly reduces mosquito populations and enhances the effectiveness of the larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Higher crustacean diversity means fewer mosquitoes and faster Bti action.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Entomology
Background:
- Newly established ponds are dynamic ecosystems and common habitats for larval mosquitoes.
- Biological interactions within these habitats significantly influence mosquito populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how crustacean abundance and diversity affect mosquito oviposition and larval development.
- To assess the impact of the biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) on mosquito larvae in the presence of varying crustacean communities.
Main Methods:
- Mosquito (Culex pipiens) colonization was studied in artificial ponds with different crustacean colonization timings: none, simultaneous, and head-start.
- Ponds were treated with three concentrations of Bti (10, 100, or 1,000 µg/liter).
- Mosquito oviposition, larval abundance, and development were monitored.
Main Results:
- Increasing crustacean taxa diversity significantly decreased mosquito colonization (oviposition, larval abundance, development).
- Total crustacean abundance had a minimal impact on mosquito colonization.
- Crustaceans increased mosquito larvae sensitivity to Bti by tenfold and delayed recolonization.
Conclusions:
- Crustacean biodiversity is a key factor in regulating mosquito populations in newly established ponds.
- The presence of crustaceans enhances the efficacy of Bti, particularly in the short term.
- Long-term mosquito presence is primarily determined by crustacean biodiversity.
