Problem+Statement

What is the effect of larval density on daily growth, development and survivorship rates of larval mosquitoes, and how may these effects impact the adult population?  Studies have examined the relationship between adult production of mosquitoes, density of larvae, and the effect of predation on larval adult production. Sometimes predation may increase adult production, by reducing larval population density, thus increasing larval success. It is likely that this may be caused by complex effects of density of mosquito larvae on daily growth, development, and survival rates. The information of this study could impact techniques for controlling mosquito populations as many mosquito species are vectors of diseases like dengue and yellow fever (Legros et al. 2009). Also of importance is the effect of controls on the population, if it is undercompensatory, overcompensatory, or exactly compensatory (Legros et. al 2009). Developing a demographic model may provide a framework for studying community structure, behavioral and developmental plasticity, and life history evolution (McPeak and Peckarsky 1998).

 Prior models have shown that some organisms experience a resource-dependent time to maturity based on the population densities of immature members (Frogner 1980). If this model also works for Aedes aegypti, it could alter the way we prevent large mosquito populations by introducing predators into larval habitats. It is important to determine which mosquito species are least likely to suffer density dependent effects, and potentially show additive effects of introduction of biological control agents (Juliano 2007). By decreasing the larval density, there is a potential for the remaining individuals to mature more rapidly and survive longer as adults. The decrease in larval density could allow for greater resource availability for surviving larvae. Hawley showed that increased pupal size positively correlated with survivorship of adult female A. sierrensis mosquitoes (1985). So by adding a predator to habitats where mosquito larvae are found, we could inadvertently increase the lifespan of adult mosquitoes.