Mosquitoes act as disease vectors and are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Understanding the biology of these organisms can be beneficial for monitoring and preventing mosquito transmitted illness. During the aquatic larval stage, mosquitos are at risk of predation from backswimmers (Notonecta undulata) and from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine if mosquito larvae detect and behaviorally avoid UV radiation, and if so, whether the presence of a predator changes their behavior. We hypothesize that mosquito larvae will avoid UV radiation, but that they will alter their UV avoidance behavior in the presence of predators. Horizontal experimental chambers were used to manipulate exposure to UV radiation and risk of predation. Overall, larvae responded more strongly to UV radiation compared to the presence of a predator. This was consistent regardless of whether the predator was on the UV+ or UV- side. When the UV choice was removed, the larvae exhibited a weak response to the predator. We conclude that mosquito larvae are able detect and avoid damaging UV radiation in the lab, and this response is not affected by this predator. Our results suggest that larvae in high UV environments could be exposing themselves to predators through UV avoidance strategies. These results will be important in mosquito population management and provide additional information about the behavior of mosquitoes in the larval stage. Designing and working on this experiment taught me valuable skills that I can apply to my studies next year in graduate school. Additionally, if I pursue a career in wilderness or park management this information will be useful.
Author: William Swales
Faculty Advisors: Craig Williamson, Erin Overholt, and Nicole Berry, Department of Biology
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