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

ABSTRACT:

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. g

SUBMITTER: Ong'wen F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6990496 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature