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A general theory for host seeking decisions in mosquitoes

  • Behavioural Ecology
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Abstract

We develop a theory for host seeking decisions in mosquitoes that explicitly considers the tradeoffs mosquitoes face in allocation to somatic and gametic function. Specifically, we consider conditions under which mosquitoes should seek out nectar and blood hosts upon encountering host odours. Results from development of a dynamic model that considers free and crop energy states suggest that mosquitoes should seek out blood hosts under a wide variety of conditions but that decisions to seek nectar depends upon crop volume, concentration and free energy. This pattern arises because mosquitoes carrying large crop loads are constrained in their ability to obtain large blood meals due to space limitations in the abdomen. The predicted patterns of behaviour are supported by published observations of mosquito behaviour.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, V5A 1S6, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

    Bernard D. Roitberg

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, M5S 1A1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    W. G. Friend

Authors
  1. Bernard D. Roitberg
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  2. W. G. Friend
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Roitberg, B.D., Friend, W.G. A general theory for host seeking decisions in mosquitoes. Bltn Mathcal Biology 54, 401–412 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02464840

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02464840

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