| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to identify and investigate behavioral responses of aquatic predators to the semiochemicals of Culex pipiens larvae. A laminar flow behavioral chamber and an observation system were developed to measure chemoreceptive responses. Using a personal computer and appropriate hardware and software, data were gathered relating to movement across the chemical interface, movement in the chemical area, and elapsed time of each movement. System integrity was verified by dye testing and exposures of Brachydanio rerio to L-alanine. Preliminary trials were completed to identify predators appropriate for further behavioral study. Two known mosquito predators were selected as test animals. These were Gambusia affinis (mosquito fish) and Notonecta indica (backswimmer). Gambusia affinis did not respond to Culex semiochemical or to L-alanine. However, considerable variability was noted between active and inactive periods. Much variability was also noted between active and inactive periods for Notonecta. Movements of Notonecta increased during periods when the predator was in an area containing Culex semiochemical. This indicated an increase in searching movements of the predator. Results suggested that Notonecta also increase the amount of time spent searching for the prey. |
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