Characterizing larval breeding sites: competition and predation
Competition and predation could influence larval development and female oviposition choice (Pamplona Lde et al., 2009; Soman & Reuben, 1970; Vonesh & Blaustein, 2010; Zahiri & Rau, 1998). To consider their effects, we measured the density of Ae. aegypti as well as all mosquito species. We also noted the presence of predatory larvae, predominately Toxorhynchites mosquitoes, and removed them immediately if found.
We first compared the density of Ae. aegypti (calculated by dividing mosquito numbers by water volume) between habitats, using onlyAe. aegypti- present larval breeding sites. We then examined the mosquito density of all species and compared that between habitats,Ae. aegypti present vs. absent sites, and across larval breeding site groups. In La Lopé, records of other mosquito species were only available for forest larval breeding sites, so we only compared sites present versus absent of Ae. aegypti within the forest. Density comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc pairwise Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Lastly, we analyzed the frequency of finding predators in different larval breeding site groups or habitats with chi-squared tests.