Do mosquitoes influence bat activity in coastal habitats

摘要: Context Conservation of insectivorous bat populations requires appropriate management foraging habitats and the prey resources they sustain. Endangered coastal saltmarsh communities support a diverse range aquatic terrestrial arthropods, including mosquito (Aedes vigilax Skuse), an important vector mosquito-borne viruses potentially resource for bats. Prey detectability by bats is considered to be limited with low-frequency echolocation, particularly in cluttered habitats, that may render abundant Ae. unavailable some species. Aims To investigate relationships between availability non-mosquito prey, activity habitats. Methods We measured nightly abundance (mosquito non-mosquito) concurrently during neap spring tides saltmarsh, urban forest Comparisons were made tidal cycle examined. Key results Whereas abundances generally greatest was habitat. However, proportional feeding saltmarsh. positively correlated total only open where absence clutter would maximise thus availability. Positive correlations activity, across all restricted Vespadelus genus, which are small-sized employ high-frequency echolocation suitable detection small along edges. Conclusions These findings suggest small, echolocating capable discerning within as well exploiting Implications Small, should focus future studies investigating importance such vigilax, diets