Tadpoles of four common Australian frogs are not effective predators of the common pest and vector mosquito Culex annulirostris.
In a laboratory investigation of tadpoles of 4 Australian frogs, Limnodynastes peronii, Limnodynastes tasmaniensis, Litoria aurea, and Litoria peronii, there was no evidence of active predation on larvae of Culex annulirostris. The mortality of larvae was greatest when exposed to the tadpoles of Litoria spp., which may have been the result of specific foraging behavior. Results indicate that Litoria spp. tadpoles may have a minor impact on mosquito populations, but they are unlikely to be useful biological control agents in Australia.
Willems
Karen J
KJ
University of Sydney, Department of Medical Entomology, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Australia.
Webb
Cameron E
CE
Russell
Richard C
RC
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D003465:Culex; D007814:Larva; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D011898:Ranidae