Fish-released kairomones affect Culiseta longiareolata oviposition and larval life history

Abstract

Several species of mosquitoes respond to the presence of kairomones released by larval predators during oviposition habitat selection and larval development. These responses may differ among mosquito species and do not always correlate with larval survival. This study examined the responses of the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata Macquart to kairomones released by three species of fish during oviposition, Gambusia affinis Baird and Girard, Aphanius mento Heckel and Garra rufa Heckel. In addition, the study examined the effects of kairomones released by G. affinis on larval development. Results show that ovipositing female avoided cues from larvivorous, but not algivorous fish. In addition, developing larvae metamorphosed slower and showed increased mortality when exposed to fish-released kairomones. Results suggest that the responses of this mosquito species to fish-released kairomones may be explained by its competitive ability.