Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2010

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

  1. Detritus that forms the basis for mosquito production in tree hole ecosystems can vary in type and timing of input. We investigated the contributions of plant‐ and animal‐derived detritus to the biomass of Aedes triseriatus (Say) pupae and adults by using stable isotope (15N and 13C) techniques in laboratory experiments and field collections.
  2. Laboratory‐reared mosquito isotope values reflected their detrital resource base, providing a clear distinction between mosquitoes reared on plant or animal detritus.
  3. Isotope values from field‐collected pupae were intermediate between what would be expected if a single (either plant or animal) detrital source dominated the resource base. However, mosquito isotope values clustered most closely with plant‐derived values, and a mixed feeding model analysis indicated tree floral parts contributed approximately 80% of mosquito biomass. The mixed model also indicated that animal detritus contributed approximately 30% of mosquito tissue nitrogen.
  4. Pupae collected later in the season generally had isotope values that were consistent with an increased contribution from animal detritus, suggesting that this resource became more nutritionally important for mosquitoes as plant inputs declined over the summer.

Publication Title

Ecological Entomology

Volume

35

Issue

5

First Page

586

Last Page

593

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