Size, not temperature, drives cyclopoid copepod predation of invasive mosquito larvae

During range expansion, invasive species can experience new thermal regimes. Differences between the performance of local and alter interactions, including predator-prey interactions. The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus , is a known vector several viral diseases public health importance. It has successfully invaded many regions across globe currently threatens to invade UK where conditions would support seasonal activity. We assessed functional response predation efficiency (percentage prey consumed) cyclopoid copepods Macrocyclops albidus Megacyclops viridis from South East England, against newly-hatched French Ae . larvae relevant temperature (15, 20, 25°C). Predator-absent controls were included in all experiments account for background mortality. found that both M display type II curves, therefore be suitable biocontrol agents event an invasion UK. No significant effect on interaction was detected by either analysis. However, analysis did show differences due predator species. results suggest superior larger size this copepod species, relative Our work highlights importance relationships predicting interactions invading predators.