Prey choices and behavior of water mite predators of mosquito larvae from nearshore habitats of the Laurentian Great Lakes


SOCIETY FOR INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
2021 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING (VAM)
January 3 – Febuary 28, 2021

Meeting Abstract


57-7  Sat Jan 2  Prey choices and behavior of water mite predators of mosquito larvae from nearshore habitats of the Laurentian Great Lakes Vasquez, A A*; Walker, X N; Ram, J L; Miller, C J; Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan avasquez@wayne.edu https://adrianvasquezphd.wixsite.com/mysite

Water mites are aquatic arachnids and ubiquitous inhabitants of freshwater habitats. Water mites are the most biodiverse arachnids and play a prominent role as predators, parasites and prey. They have also been reported to be useful as bioindicators of water quality and as a potential biocontrol for mosquitoes. At the Healthy Urban Waters field station, we have collected many water mite specimens and conducted feeding experiments to ascertain if they prey on mosquito larvae. Our preliminary observations on 7 genera identified 2 potential water mite predators of mosquito larvae. Predation was documented identifying water mite-mosquito feeding phenomena. Here we report on predatory behavior and prey choices of water mites from Point Rosa Marsh and Lake St. Clair.

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