Author: Adrian A Vasquez,   (Wayne State University)

Description:
Water mites are ubiquitous inhabitants of freshwater ecosystems. They are important constituents of aquatic habitats because of their prominent role as predators, parasites and prey. They are also considered excellent bioindicators of water quality and offer potential biocontrol for mosquitoes. In the Laurentian Great Lakes and surrounding habitats, they are plentiful and easily collected for analysis.  Our team has been studying water mites for more than 4 years at our field stations in metro Detroit. At our field station on Belle Isle, an island in the Detroit River, we have collected many water mite specimens representing up to 20 genera. At our field station in the Lake St. Clair Metropark, we have conducted the first ever field experiments using water mites and mosquitoes. Bioindicator studies were carried out at our field station located at the Great Lakes Water Authority drinking water plant in Detroit. An overview of research completed on water mite biodiversity, digestive physiology and ecosystem services will be presented.

Category: Scientific Program Abstract > Special Session > CS04 Urban Ecosystems