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.