Lethal and sublethal impacts of predaceous backswimmer Anisops wakefieldi (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) on the life-history traits of the New Zealand mosquito Culex pervigilans (Diptera: Culicidae)

Both consumptive and non-consumptive effects of predators impact mosquito populations and have implications for disease transmission

Predator-prey interactions influence prey traits through both consumptive and non-consumptive effects, and variation in these traits can shape vector-borne disease dynamics. Meta-analysis methods were employed to generate predation effect sizes by different categories of predators and mosquito prey. This analysis showed that multiple families of aquatic predators are effective in consumptively reducing mosquito survival, and that the survival of Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex mosquitoes is negatively impacted by consumptive effects of predators. Mosquito larval size was found to play a more important role in explaining the heterogeneity of consumptive effects from predators than mosquito genus. Mosquito survival and body size were reduced by non-consumptive effects of predators, but development time was not significantly impacted. In addition, Culex vectors demonstrated predator avoidance behavior during oviposition. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that predators limit disease transmission by reducing both vector survival and vector size, and that associations between drought and human West Nile virus cases could be driven by the vector behavior of predator avoidance during oviposition. These findings are likely to be useful to infectious disease modelers who rely on vector traits as predictors of transmission.

Direct and indirect effects of predation and parasitism on the Anopheles gambiae mosquito

BACKGROUND

A good understanding of mosquito ecology is imperative for integrated vector control of malaria. In breeding sites, Anopheles larvae are concurrently exposed to predators and parasites. However, to our knowledge, there is no study on combined effects of predators and parasites on development and survival of larvae and their carry-over effects on adult survivorship and susceptibility to further parasite infection.

METHODS

This study focused on effects of the nymphs of the dragonfly Pantala flavescens and the parasitic fungus Beauveria bassiana on Anopheles gambiae, to determine: predation efficacy of nymphs against An. gambiae larvae; development rate of An. gambiae larvae in the presence of one, two or four constrained nymphs; efficacy of B. bassiana against An. gambiae larvae at doses of 3, 6 and 12 mg; and survival of adult mosquitoes exposed to B. bassiana, following pre-exposure to a constrained predator and/or parasite at the larval stage. The experiments consisted of survival bioassays quantified as pupation day, or dead larvae and/or adults.

RESULTS

Nymphs had an average predation efficacy of 88.3% (95% CI: 87.5-89.1) at 24 hours, against An. gambiae larvae. The presence of one or two nymphs reduced development time of larvae by 0.65 and 0.35 days, respectively. However, development time of larvae exposed to four nymphs was similar to the control larvae. Larvae exposed to 3, 6 and 12 mg of B. bassiana were 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5 times more likely to die, respectively, compared to control larvae. Adults not pre-exposed, those pre-exposed to predator, parasite, or both were 45.8, 67.4, 50.9 and 112.0 times more likely to die, respectively, compared to control that were unexposed to predator or parasite, at larval and adult stage.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that both predator and parasite can reduce larval population of An. gambiae, and presence of predator cues decreases development time in breeding sites, as well as, increases the susceptibility of emerging adult to fungus. Predator and parasite both have an additive effect on survival of adults exposed to B. bassiana. Field studies are required for an in-depth understanding of predator and parasite influence on mosquito development time, survival and susceptibility in nature.

Mechanisms Underlying the Nonconsumptive Effects of Parasitoid Wasps on Aphids

Natural enemies need not consume herbivores to suppress herbivore populations. Behavioral interactions can adversely impact herbivore fitness from reduced time feeding, investment in defense, or injury from failed attacks. The importance of such "nonconsumptive effects" for herbivore suppression may vary across species based on the specificity and intensity of the herbivore defensive response. In a series of manipulative studies, we quantified the nature and consequences of nonconsumptive interactions between two parasitoid wasps, Aphidius ervi Haliday and Aphidius colemani Viereck, on two aphid species, pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)) and green peach aphids (Myzus persicae (Sulzer)). Both wasps successfully parasitize green peach aphids, but only A. ervi parasitizes pea aphids. We observed A. ervi antennating and stinging pea aphids and documented a decrease in pea aphid longevity in response to stinging even when the aphid survived the interaction and no mummy formed. The primary defensive tactic of pea aphids in response to either wasp species was dropping from the host plant. Both wasp species antennated and stung green peach aphids, but they elicited unique defensive behaviors. Green peach aphids kicked or emitted cornicle secretions in response to A. colemani but spent more time off the plant in the presence of A. ervi. Green peach aphid longevity and fecundity were not affected by wasp stings when the aphid survived and no mummy formed. Our study demonstrates the complexity of behavioral interactions between parasitoids and their potential hosts and contributes to a mechanistic understanding of variation in the nonconsumptive suppression of herbivore populations.

Venoms of Heteropteran Insects: A Treasure Trove of Diverse Pharmacological Toolkits

The piercing-sucking mouthparts of the true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) have allowed diversification from a plant-feeding ancestor into a wide range of trophic strategies that include predation and blood-feeding. Crucial to the success of each of these strategies is the injection of venom. Here we review the current state of knowledge with regard to heteropteran venoms. Predaceous species produce venoms that induce rapid paralysis and liquefaction. These venoms are powerfully insecticidal, and may cause paralysis or death when injected into vertebrates. Disulfide-rich peptides, bioactive phospholipids, small molecules such as N,N-dimethylaniline and 1,2,5-trithiepane, and toxic enzymes such as phospholipase A2, have been reported in predatory venoms. However, the detailed composition and molecular targets of predatory venoms are largely unknown. In contrast, recent research into blood-feeding heteropterans has revealed the structure and function of many protein and non-protein components that facilitate acquisition of blood meals. Blood-feeding venoms lack paralytic or liquefying activity but instead are cocktails of pharmacological modulators that disable the host haemostatic systems simultaneously at multiple points. The multiple ways venom is used by heteropterans suggests that further study will reveal heteropteran venom components with a wide range of bioactivities that may be recruited for use as bioinsecticides, human therapeutics, and pharmacological tools.

Direct and indirect effect of predators on Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto

The increased insecticides resistance by vectors and the ecological harm imposed by insecticides to beneficial organisms drawback mosquitoes chemical control efforts. Biological control would reduce insecticides tolerance and yet biodiversity friend. The predatory and non-predatory effects of Gambusia affinis and Carassius auratus on gravid Anopheles gambiae sensu strict and larvae survivorship were assessed. In determining predation rate, a single starved predator was exposed to third instar larvae of An. gambiae s.s. in different densities 20, 60 and 100. Six replicates in each of the densities for both predators, G. affinis and C. auratus, were set up. The larvae densities were monitored in every 12 and 24 h. In assessing indirect effects: An. gambiae s.s. first instar larvae of three densities 20, 60 and 100 were reared in water from a predator habitat and water from non-predator habitat. Larvae were monitored until they emerged to adults where larval survivorship and sex ratio (Female to total emerged mosquitoes) of the emerged adult from both water habitats were determined. Oviposition preference: twenty gravid females of An. gambiae s.s. were provided with three oviposition choices, one containing water from predator habitat without a predator, the second with water from a predator with a predator and the third with water from non-predatory habitat. The number of eggs laid on each container was counted daily. There were 20 replicates for each predator, G. affinis and C. auratus. Survivorship of An. gambiae s.s. larvae reared in water from non-predator habitat was higher than those reared in water from the predator habitats. Many males emerged in water from non-predatory water habitats while more females emerged from predator's habitats water. More eggs laid in tap water than in water from predator habitat and water from predator habitat with live predator. In 24 h, a starved C. auratus and G. affinis were able to consume 100% of the 3rd instar larvae. The findings from this study suggest that G. affinis and C. auratus may be useful in regulating mosquito populations in favour of beneficial insects. However, a small scale trial shall be needed in complex food chain system to ascertain the observed predation and kairomones effects.