Sonoma State University

The Effects of Predaceous Diving Beetle Larvae Removal on Size and Abundance of California Tiger Salamander Larvae

The Effects of Predaceous Diving Beetle Larvae Removal on Size and Abundance of California Tiger Salamander Larvae

Abstract

  • California vernal pools are seasonal freshwater ecosystems that retain water during the wet season and dry out in summer
  • Apex predators exert strong top-down control, influencing community structure, species interactions, and persistence.
  • The removal of top predators can trigger cascading effects, altering species composition, behavior. and morphology.
  • California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense; CTS) have long been regarded as the primary apex predator in vernal pool ecosystems.
  • Emerging evidence indicates that predaceous diving beetle larvae (Family Dytiscidae) also function as top predators in these systems (Schmieg, unpublished data).
  • Dytiscid larvae exhibit specialized predatory adaptations, including extraoral digestion, wherein digestive enzymes are injected into prey to liquefy tissues prior to ingestion (Inoda & Kamimura 2022).
  • Predation on CTS larvae by dytiscid larvae has been documented (Schemig, unpublished data).
  • Currently little is known about the interaction between these top predators and no prior research has been conducted investigating their relationship in natural pool settings. 

Project Date: Spring 2025

Team: 

  • Abigail Doan
  • Savannah Kellerman
  • Jesse Schmieg
  • Dave Coo

Faculty:

  • Derek Girman

 

Location:

  • Sonoma State University

Department:

  • Biology

     

 

Sonoma State University acknowledges the Coast Miwok, Central and Southern Pomo, and the Wappo as the traditional stewards of our preserved lands. Let it be acknowledged that the Sonoma State University campus is located within the traditional homelands of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Sonoma State offers deep gratitude to the original stewards of this land and recognizes its immense historical, spiritual, and personal significance to the Native nations and peoples of this region.