Effect of temperature and search area on the functional response of Anisops sardea (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) against Anopheles stephensi in laboratory bioassay.

Present study was carried out to establish the influence of abiotic factors on foraging activities of a predatory hemipteran insect Anisops sardea against Anopheles stephensi larvae. The functional response of A. sardea was evaluated in variable density of prey items with variation in search area (100, 250, 500 and 1000ml water volume) and temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C). The results of laboratory bioassay revealed that prey consumption rate of predator species was positively related with increasing temperature and inversely related with increasing search area. Polynomial logistic regression equations and associated parameters showed that A. sardea exhibited a type II functional response in variable search area and type-III response at variable temperatures. Related response specific attack rates and handling times were also evaluated in presence of specific abiotic factors.

Functional response analysis of Anisops sardea (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) against Culex quinquefasciatus in laboratory condition.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Culex quinquefasciatus is the principal vector of lymphatic filariasis (LF). Application of alternative vector control methodologies are aimed at reduction of mosquito breeding sites and biting activity through the use of biological control methods. In the present study, functional response of aquatic Hemipteran backswimmer, Anisops sardea was assessed against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae in laboratory bioassay. METHODS: The functional respons of A. sardea was assessed against III(rd) instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus. Respective handling times and coefficient of attack rates were determined by a non linear polynomeal regression equation. RESULTS: The results of rates of predation in variable prey densities exhibited a 'linear rise to plateau curve', associated with 'Type -II' functional response. The logistic regression estimated a significant negative linear parameter (P(1) <0) which also supported the same observation. Associated 'attack rates' and 'handling times' were also calculated using the Holling Disc Equation. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The results of present experiments indicate that A. sardea can be used as a biocontrol agent against the larval forms of Cx. quinquefasciatus in temporarily available breeding places of mosquito with relatively clear water. However, a detailed field study has to be done to confirm these findings.