Aquatic invertebrates and natural control of Culex salinarius Coquillett (Dipera:Culicidae) in the coastal marshlands of Southeast Texas /
A qualitative survey of aquatic invertebrate populations occurring in coastal marshes of Southeast Texas was conducted during May 25, 1993, through May 31, 1995. The purpose of this survey was to begin development of a database on aquatic invertebrate species residing in marshland habitats of the up...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1999.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=730294121&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | A qualitative survey of aquatic invertebrate populations occurring in coastal marshes of Southeast Texas was conducted during May 25, 1993, through May 31, 1995. The purpose of this survey was to begin development of a database on aquatic invertebrate species residing in marshland habitats of the upper Gulf Coast of Texas and identify natural control agents of Culex salinarius Coquillett, an important nuisance pest mosquito associated with marshlands in Southeast Texas. Snmple sites were established on the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge (Chambers Co., TX) and J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (Jefferson Co., TX) representing aquatic habitat used by Cx. salinarius as oviposition and larval development sites in Texas coastal marshlands. The sites were subsequently sampled on a routine basis over the two-year study period using the mosquito dipper cup, D-frame aquatic net, and submerged bottle trap aquatic sampling techniques. Results of the 2-year survey, based on approximately 31,000 specimens that were collected and identified, yielded 13 orders, 107 families, 256 genera, and 350 species of insects (primarily Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera); and 23 orders, 41 families, 46 genera, and 49 species of non-insect invertebrates. This included 29 new state records, four undescribed new species, and discovery of the previously unknown immature stages of scirtid beetle genus Ora. Analyses of invertebrate communities at three primary research sites using several diversity indices indicated the Anahuac marsh site supported an aquatic invertebrate community that was the most taxonomically diverse. Comparison of collection methods revealed that the largest number of taxa were collected using the mosquito dipper cup sampling technique. Adults of various Coleoptera and Hemiptera collected during the survey were offered different stages of Cx. salinarius immatures in separate tests of predator efficacy. Twelve of 28 tea fed on groupings of 1st /2nd instar larvae, 12 of 29 taxa fed on 3rd/4th instar larvae, and 11 of 26 taxa fed on pupae. Taxa producing the highest mean percent mortality were: Laccophilus proximus Say against 1st/2nd instar larvae; Ranatra sp. Against 3rd/4th instar larvae; and Hydaticus bimarginaturs (Say) against pupae. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Entomology". |
| Physical Description: | 2 volumes : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 196-233). |