Larval competition between Aedes japonicus and Aedes atropalpus (Diptera: Culicidae) in simulated rock pools

Abstract

The success of an invasive species becoming established in a new region often depends on its interactions with ecologically similar resident species. The propensity of the newly-established mosquito Aedes japonicus to inhabit rock pools throughout the eastern United States provides a natural setting for interspecific larval competition with the native Aedes atropalpus. A laboratory experiment conducted in simulated rock pools to evaluate larval interactions between and within these two species suggested that the performance of both species was more significantly impacted by intraspecific conditions than interspecific conditions of the same mosquito density. Aedes atropalpus was apparently more sensitive to larval densities than Ae. japonicus because it reproduces autogenously, requiring a lengthened period of larval development to obtain nutrient reserves for egg development, which may ultimately put Ae. atropalpus at a disadvantage under larval conditions of competition and limited resources. Excessively stressful experimental conditions, as evidenced by reduced body size, and thus fecundity and estimated finite rate of increase, may have obscured the effects of larval competition between these species. The impact of larval competition between these species in rock pool communities warrants further investigation under more ecologically realistic experimental conditions.

Effect of Malathion on Larval Competition Between Aedes albopictus and Aedes atropalpus (Diptera: Culicidae)

“…japonicus, another invasive mosquito from Asia, has been stated to prefer similar rock pool habitats as Ae. atropalpus (Armistead et al 2008). Armistead et al (2008) showed that Ae.…”

Evidence for Reduction of Native Mosquitoes With Increased Expansion of Invasive <I>Ochlerotatus japonicus japonicus</I> (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Northeastern United States

“…j. japonicus and Oc. atropalpus in simulated rock pools was recently evaluated by Armistead et al (2008) who showed that the performance of both species was more signiÞcantly impacted by intraspeciÞc conditions than by interspeciÞc conditions at the same mosquito density. Oc.…”

Interspecific Larval Competition Between Invasive Aedes japonicus and Native Aedes triseriatus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Adult Longevity

“…where N 0 is the initial number of females in the cohort (assumed to be 50%); A x is the number of females eclos- (Armistead et al 2008b). Additionally, newly emerged adult females were transferred daily to paperboard cages (9 ht.…”

“…A study evaluated competitive interactions between Ae. japonicus and North American rock pool mosquito Aedes atropalpus in simulated rock pools (Armistead et al 2008b). Both mosquito species were more limited by intraspeciÞc than interspeciÞc competitive interactions, suggesting that competitive interactions between these species were symmetric where neither species was a superior competitor to the other (Armistead et al 2008b).…”