We explored how inter- and intra-specific competition among larvae of two temporary-pool mosquito species, Culiseta longiareolata Ochlerotatus caspius, affect larval developmental strategy life history traits. Given that their have similar feeding habits, we expected negative reciprocal inter-specific interactions. In a microcosm experiment, found sex-specific responses survival development to both intra- competition. C. was the superior competitor, reducing adult size modifying time O....

Mosquito larvae are metapneustic, breathing through posterior spiracles, and primarily consume atmospheric oxygen (Clements 1992). Larvae of several mosquito species have been reported to use dissolved (DO) in addition However, as long is readily accessible, larval mosquitoes generally considered be unaffected by reduced DO (Gophen 1985, Dale et al. 2007 Lancaster Downes 2013). Nonetheless, some cases shown survive for hours (Reiter 1978) or even days (Westwood 1983 when denied access air....

In order to succeed in crossing extensive ecological barriers, migratory birds usually deposit fuel en route. High rates of deposition may enable shorten their total migration time and are therefore advantageous for time‐minimizing migrants. Several studies have suggested that water provision increase food utilization non‐migratory birds. The goal this study was test the influence availability on route passerines. We studied blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla lesser whitethroats S. curruca staging...

Predation is one of the strongest selective forces in nature. Organisms characterized by a complex life cycle, undergoing an ontogenetic niche shift, can reduce predation risk on natal stages metamorphosing earlier. Yet, this antipredatory response may incur numerous life-history–related costs. Interestingly, consequence larval adult dispersal, key trait dictating persistence spatially structured populations, largely understudied. Here, we explored effect life-history and dispersal...

Individuals of different sex, size or developmental stage can compete differently and hence contribute distinctively to population dynamics. In species with complex life cycles such as insects, competitive ability is often positively correlated larval stage. Yet, little known on how the development survival early-instars influenced by interference from late-instar larvae, especially at low densities when exploitative competition expected be negligible. Furthermore, specificity mechanisms...

Predation cost ( P c ) is often regarded as a pivotal component determining foraging behavior. We hypothesized that variations in two of its major constituents, predation risk (μ) and the marginal value energy (∂ F s /∂ e , where survivor's fitness represents amount acquired energy), will translate into patch use behavior ground‐foraging birds. studied House Sparrows Passer domesticus ), affected by proximity to shelter, large outdoor aviaries. Proximity shelter should affect μ. manipulated...

Abstract Insect epithelial cells contain cellular extensions such as bristles, hairs, and scales. These are homologous structures that differ in morphology function. They actin bundles dictate their morphology. While the organization, function, identity of major actin-bundling proteins bristles hairs known, this information on scales is unknown. In study, we characterized development role mosquito, Aedes aegypti . We show undergo drastic morphological changes during development, from a...

We hypothesized that the foraging behavior of urban birds would be less sensitive to variation in cost predation than nonurban bird species. predicted food-patch utilization by House Sparrows (Passer domesticus), a widespread human commensal, risk Spanish (P. hispaniolensis), its counterpart. applied giving-up density (GUD) method quantify patch use two species with respect distance from shelter. Our results indicated perceived steep gradient increased increasing shelter, while seemed...

Abstract Spatio‐temporal variation in aquatic habitat characteristics can have important implications for the population and community dynamics of organisms utilizing these habitats. We studied life‐history responses Culex pipiens larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) to multiple environmental factors associated with drying by increasing larval density (directly affecting resource availability), temperature fluctuations (influencing physiological processes), solute concentration due evaporation...

Trading-off food and safety is considered a predominant component of foraging behavior. We examined whether predators’ response to potential prey state-dependent, suggest that risk injury while pursuing the affects behavior in similar manner as predation how daring steppe buzzards Buteo buteo vulpinus their varied with body condition. measured time it took juvenile attack mouse placed Bal-Chatri cage trap related found poorer condition tended hesitate less before than did better behavioral...

Hoarding strategies range between scatterhoarding (small multiple hoards) and larderhoarding (large single hoard). We hypothesized that spatial distribution of food affects hoarding strategy 2 nocturnal psammophilic rodents, Gerbillus pyramidum G. allenbyi. used a modular arena to test the prediction would tend toward as travel distance during foraging increases. manipulated studied its effect on behavior. allenbyi, predicted, tended scatterhoard increased. pyramidum, however, reacted...

We examined the influence of previous foraging success on effort in sheet web spider Frontinellina cf. frutetorum (Linyphiidae). Foraging was estimated via spider's investment construction as indicated by size. manipulated providing spiders with supplementary prey items for 2 days and subsequently removed webs. Fed were a better condition than control spiders. However, contrast to studies, supplemented did not reduce their effort. On contrary, built smaller webs after removal, while fed size...

Abstract Spatial synchrony plays an important role in dictating the dynamics of spatial and stage‐structured populations. Here we argue that, unlike Moran effect where is driven by exogenous factors, correlation intrinsic/local‐scale processes can affect level among distinct sub‐populations, therefore persistence entire population. To explore this mechanism, modelled consequences heterogeneity aquatic habitat quality, that temporal variation local extinction probability, on mosquito As a...

1. In organisms characterised by complex life cycles, habitat selection often occurs at multiple spatial scales. For instance, female mosquitoes searching for an appropriate aquatic to oviposit their eggs should also consider the characteristics of terrestrial landscape in which it is embedded. 2. this study, a field experiment was conducted test multi‐scale oviposition site two mosquito species. Artificial pools were placed adjacent landscapes, olive plantations and citrus orchard, mainly...

Abstract The strong dependency of some vectors on their host as a source habitat can be viewed weak link in pathogen’s transmission cycles using the vertebrate ‘Trojan horse’ to deliver insecticides directly vector-host point contact (hereafter ‘systemic control’). This could, simultaneously, affect survival blood-feeding females and coprophagic larvae. Sand-flies, leishmaniasis worldwide, are often dependent bloodmeal may therefore good candidates for systemic control. In present study, we...

Larvae of the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata Macquart have been suggested as important species in desert and Mediterranean temporary pond ecosystems through their strong competitive abilities intra-guild predators. We examined potential predatory effect on larvae abundant saltmarsh Ochlerotatus caspius . did not find evidence for effects C O larvae. suggest that, at least our system, is an apparent predator. Namely, it does actively prey mobile victims, but rather feeds carcasses its fallen...

We describe the structural patterns of granivorous bird communities in a semiarid shrub-steppe during winter and examine whether how habitat structure productivity play roles determining these communities. used line transects measurements microhabitat use to species diversity, composition, birds habitats across northern Negev Desert, Israel. then related those characteristics along at two spatial scales. The our study were not random samples pool. Bird abundance diversity correlated with...

Carotenoids are common and diverse organic compounds with various functional roles in ani-mals. Except for certain aphids, mites, gall midges, all animals acquire necessary carotenoids only through their diet. The House fly (Musca domestica) is a cosmopolitan pest insect that populates habitats. Its larvae feed on substrates may vary carotenoid composition according to specific content. We hypothesized the adult fly’s body would reflect its larval feed. reared house differed characterized of...

Carotenoids are common and diverse organic compounds with various functional roles in animals. Except for certain aphids, mites, gall midges, all animals only acquire necessary carotenoids through their diet. The house fly (Musca domestica) is a cosmopolitan pest insect that populates habitats. Its larvae feed on substrates may vary carotenoid composition according to specific content. We hypothesized the adult fly’s body would reflect larval feed. House were reared diets differed...