An empirical test of the aggregation model of coexistence and consequences for competing container-dwelling mosquitoes.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the aggregation model of coexistence as a potential mechanism explaining patterns of coexistence between container mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in southern Florida, USA. Aedes aegypti coexists with the invasive A. albopictus in many locations despite being an inferior resource competitor under most conditions. In agreement with aggregation theory we observed significant intraspecific aggregation of A. albopictus in all six field sites sampled in southern Florida in 2009. Quantitative results suggest that larval distributions of A. albopictus across containers are sufficiently aggregated to permit persistence of the inferior competitor A. aegypti. We tested whether observed levels of A. albopictus aggregation would significantly improve A. aegypti population

SUBMITTER: Fader JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4114038 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature