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Density‐dependent regulation of Aedes cantans (Diptera: Culicidae) in natural and artificial populations
Author(s) -
RENSHAW M.,
SERVICE M. W.,
BIRLEY M. H.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
ecological entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.865
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1365-2311
pISSN - 0307-6946
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2311.1993.tb01094.x
Subject(s) - biology , cannibalism , larva , competition (biology) , population density , ecology , predation , density dependence , zoology , economic shortage , aedes , habitat , population , demography , linguistics , philosophy , sociology , government (linguistics)
.1 Mortality and size variation (siphon length) in Aedes cantans larvae were examined in natural populations in northern England in 1989 and 1990. 2 Under crowded conditions, density‐dependent competition led to reduction in the size of both larvae and adults and increased larval mortality. 3 Larvae were also maintained in cages in the field at different densities. Results paralleled those for the natural populations in the ponds; larvae maintained at high densities showed increased mortality and reduced size. 4 Possible density‐dependent factors leading to mortality and size reduction include cannibalism and contact inhibition leading to food shortages. 5 The main density‐independent factor contributing to larval mortality was habitat desiccation.