Detrivory, competition, and apparent predation by Culiseta longiareolata in a temporary pool ecosystem

Abstract

Larvae of the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata Macquart have been suggested as important species in desert and Mediterranean temporary pond ecosystems through their strong competitive abilities and as intra-guild predators. We examined their potential predatory effect on larvae of the abundant saltmarsh mosquito Ochlerotatus caspius. We did not find evidence for predatory effects of C. longiareolata on O. caspius larvae. We suggest that, at least in our system, C. longiareolata is an apparent predator. Namely, it does not actively prey on mobile victims, but rather feeds on the carcasses of its fallen competitors additional to its generally immobile food. Hence, we do not expect the occurrence of anti-predator behaviors in response to C. longiareolata presence, including larval development characteristics and oviposition habitat selection.

Keywords:

• mosquito larvae
• competition
• intra-guild predation
• apparent predator

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledges Zvika Abramsky, Ofer Ovadia, and Gil Ben-Natan for their invaluable advise and interesting discussions. The authors also acknowledge Perah Pitersa for her dedicated work and insightful suggestions. This work was partially supported by the Pratt Foundation, awarded to Alon Silberbush.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by the Pratt Foundation, awarded to Alon Silberbush.