RADIO-CANADA INTERVIEW – WHY MOSQUITOES PLAY A NEGLIGIBLE ROLE IN THE FOOD CHAIN
An entomology professor demystifies the role of mosquitoes in the food chain.
Mosquitoes do not evoke much affection among many humans, but contrary to what many think, they are not very popular as food for animals either.
Although they play an ecological role during their larval stage, once they reach adulthood, they are not at the top of the list of preferred prey for many of their predators. The disappearance of a species of mosquito would not cause any environmental disaster, according to Kateryn Rochon, professor in the department of entomology at the University of Manitoba.
“Adult mosquitoes also serve as food, but we agree that there is not a lot of fat on a mosquito […] Birds and bats or other insects that feed on insects, often, will have preferences other than mosquitoes. “
— A remark from Kateryn Rochon, professor in the Department of entomology at the University of Manitoba
She notes that dragonflies feed heavily on mosquitoes, but only in the nymphal stage. This occurs when mosquitoes are still in larval form and inhabit aquatic environments.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON THE RADIO-CANADA WEBSITE (LA CROISÉE SHOW – in French) HERE: