Alternative prey influence the predation of mosquito larvae by three water bug species (Heteroptera: Nepidae)

The indirect interactions among multiple prey sharing a common predator characterize apparent competition. In conservation biological control involving mosquitoes and controphic prey against generalist insect predators, apparent competition may be a crucial factor determining the extent of success. The possible influence of apparent competition on mosquito prey consumption by three water bugs (Heteroptera: Nepidae): Ranatra elongata, Ranatra filiformis, and Laccotrephes griseus was assessed under laboratory conditions. Tadpoles (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), chironomid larvae, snails (Racesina luteola) and fish fingerlings (Labeo rohita) were considered as alternative prey under two prey or multi prey conditions against instar IV larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus as target prey. Under two prey conditions all the predators exhibited a preference (significant Manly’s α) for mosquito larvae, against fish fingerlings by R. filiformis. In the presence of multiple prey, mosquito larvae were selected by the predators. Using the ratio of mosquito selectivity in two prey and multi-prey conditions as a measure of apparent competition, chironomid larvae had greatest effect in suppressing mosquito selectivity for R. elongata, and fish fingerlings for R. filiformis and L. griseus. It seems that the prey preference of R. elongata, R. filiformis and L. griseus may differentially evoke apparent competition among the prey. In the aquatic community where these predators and prey coexist, mosquito larvae may benefit from apparent competition that reduces their vulnerability to predators. The identity of the alternative prey appears to be an important factor for shielding the vulnerability of mosquito prey to the generalist insect predators.