Mosquitoes feeding on mice infected with the rodent malaria, Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis , take blood meals containing more erythrocytes early in infection, when gametocyte density is high. However, when many erythrocytes are infected, gametocytaemia is reduced, the mouse is anaemic and mosquito bloodmeals are smaller. In addition, infected mice are more attractive to mosquitoes than they were before infection and are chosen in preference to uninfected mice. We previously demonstrated that the parasite also changes the behaviour of infected mosquitoes. Oocysts make females less persistent in returning to blood feed if disturbed and sporozoites make them more persistent.
Thrips are small insects in the order Thysanoptera.
They are abundant worldwide and are major pests in agriculture and horticulture as a result of feeding damage and the transmission of plant viruses. The aim of the project is to determine the role of alarm pheromones in the ecology of the western flower thrips. This can then provide information to build an extra component into the integrated pest management of the species. Computer analysis of insect behaviour 7. Recording results from a behavioural experiment 8.