5.0 AQUATIC & MOSQUITO QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
List the roles plants play in a healthy aquatic ecosystem. - Answer --producing oxygen
-preventing shoreline erosion
-lessening excess nutrients during growing season
-stabilizing lake bottom
-providing food and habitat for fish, waterfowl, and other aquatic animals
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Emergent aquatic plants - Answer --*growth habits*: rooted in shallow
water, most growth above water
-*means of dispersal*: underground root systems
-*potential problems*: very dense and may exclude recreational pursuits like boating,
fishing, and swimming. Purple loosestrife is an example of a problem species.
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Submergent aquatic plants (both pondweeds and plants with whorled
leaves) - Answer --*growth habits*: grow mostly under water surface, pondweeds
sometimes have floating leaves in addition to their submerged leaves; whorled-leaf
plants grow underwater with whorled leaf attachments
-*means of dispersal*: pondweeds have extensive root systems, runners, and can also
reproduce from seeds; plants with whorled leaves can disperse when uprooted by
breaking free and getting moved by the wind
-*potential problems*: most pondweeds not nuisance except for curlyleaf pondweed and
sometimes sago pondweed; whorled leaf plants can uproot and break free easily and
drift with wind to clutter shoreline; Eurasian watermilfoil is an aggressive non-native that
can affect habitat and restrict recreation. Raking is required to remove these clutters.
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Free-floating and rooted floating-leaved aquatic plants - Answer --*growth
habits*: occur on water surface and can be free-floating or rooted with large floating
leaves
-*means of dispersal*: free floating plants are easily windblown. rooted ones not so
much
-*potential problems*: free-floating plants accumulate on shorelines and are difficult to
control in large waterbodies; rooted plants are rarely a nuisance.
List ways that excessive plant growth can adversely affect the ecology and uses of a
water body. - Answer --harm ecology of aquatic ecosystem
-curtail or prevent recreational water uses (e.g. fishing, boating, swimming)
-impart tastes or odors to drinking water
-hamper water treatment operations
-adversely affect aesthetics, resort trade, and waterfront property values
-produce toxins that harm animals drinking the water
,Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Free-floating, filamentous, and "rooted" algae - Answer --*growth habits*:
found free-floating (planktonic) or attached to submerged surfaces (filamentous or
"rooted").
-*means of dispersal*: multiply rapidly in warm weather;
-*potential problems*: free-floating algae responsible for many nuisance algal blooms
(release toxin, low DO, blue-green algae); removing rooted algae can allow worse
species to come in so don't mess with them.
List the advantages and disadvantages of chemical control of aquatic plants and algae -
Answer -*Advantages*:
-offer longer-lasting control than some mechanical methods
-less physical labor
-ultimately cost less
-important tool for specific nuisance plants/algae such as Eurasian watermilfoil and
purple loosestrife
*Disadvantages*:
-restrictions on water use
-oxygen depletion and fish kills
-sudden nutrient release into water can lead to other plant or algae problems
-risk to people and nontarget organisms
Describe the beneficial roles of Wisconsin's fish populations. - Answer --maintain
balanced communities by feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and other fish & provide a
food source for natural predators
-fishing for food/sport is popular in WI and ddepends on healthy populations
-fish farms and hatcheries raise fish for food, feed, fertilizer, bait, and to release
List 5 types of situations in which fish control may be warranted - Answer --eliminating
undesirable or competing fish from fish rearing ponds
-removing exotic and other undesirable species from a waterbody
-thinning stunted fish to bring a population into balance
-eliminating fish from a hatchery water supply to prevent a potential reservoir of
disease-causing organisms
-treating fish spawning sites to prevent overpopulation of an individual species
Explain why post-treatment management can be important in the long-term success of a
pesticide treatment project. - Answer --because when fish populations are lowered,
density-dependent population growth allows the population to rebound if not managed
post-treatment
Know the Law: Who do you need to get approval from to conduct any chemical
treatment for fish control? - Answer -WI DNR Aquatic Plant Management Program
List the 2 main reasons why mosquito control may be warranted. - Answer --nuisance
-disease
,Describe the 4 stages of the mosquito life cycle, including the main structural features of
each - Answer --*egg*: laid in water, hatch in ~3 days, some laid on dry land and hatch
when flooded
-*larva*: "wiggler", 4 instars with molting in between each, filterers, air tube to breath
from surface
-*pupa*: comma shaped, non-feeding, lasts a few days, contain respiratory trumpets,
"tumblers"
-*adult*: 1 pair wings, elongated probiscis, pair of antennae, males have bushy
antennae while females have short and sparse antennae
List the types of info you need about a mosquito species before you can develop an
effective program to control it. - Answer --the types and locations of breeding sites
-# of generations per year
-host preference of the females (what animals they prefer to get blood from)
-seasonal population levels and how rainfall affects them
-their flight range
-common resting areas
-whether the species can transmit pathogens that may be present in your area
-whether the mosquitoes carry pathogens that are present in wildlife populations
Describe the habits of Aedes triseriatus, Aedes vexans, and Culex pipiens species of
mosquitoes. - Answer --*Aedes triseriatus*: tree-hole mosquito; breeds in old tires, tin
cans, barrels, tree holes and stumps; several generations per year; main vector of La
Crosse encephalitis
-*Aedes vexans*: most common pest species in state from late spring-late fall; "inland
floodwater mosquito"; larvae in roadside puddles, woodland pools, temporary pools, and
river bottoms; continuous breeding in wet years; survives winter and dry periods in egg
stage; adults migrate 15-20 miles or more from breeding sites and can live for 3-4
weeks; eggs dormant for up to 5 years before flooding prompts hatching
-*Culex pipiens*: breed in temporary or permanent pools that are high in OM like ditches
or sewage lagoons; females lay eggs in rafts and eggs hatch quickly; responsible for St.
Louis encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
-Both Aedes triseriatus and Culex pipiens breed in "backyard sites" like bird baths,
ponds, tree holes, buckets, tires, and rain barrels.
List the 3 main mosquito-transmitted diseases that occur in WI and know the mosquito
vector for each. - Answer --*La Crosse Encephalitis*: Aedes triseriatus
-*West Nile Virus*: Culex pipiens
-*Dog Heartworm*: Aedes vexans
Define the word pesticide and explain how the word differs from specific types of
pesticides. - Answer --*Pesticide*: any substance used to directly control pest
populations or to prevent or reduce pest damage
-'pesticide' is broad and refers to the killing of any pests. insecticide, fungicide, and
herbicide are specific.
, Discuss and explain some of the general characteristics of pesticides. - Answer --
*Mode of Action*: the way a chemical kills or harms target pest; classes of pesticides
often have same MOA; switching up MOAs in treating pests reduces pest resistance to
pesticide
-*Selectivity*: broad vs. narrow-spectrum; broad spectrum kills several different pest
types with sufficient dose; narrow spectrum kill only few related pests while not harming
others and may control only certain species or life stages.
-*Persistence*: how long they remain active to control pests; Residual pesticides control
for weeks/months/yrs
-*Contact vs. Systemic*: systemic are absorbed and translocated/transported within a
plant/animal; contact must directly touch pest or a site that the pest frequents
Contrast the difference between organic, inorganic and microbial pesticides. - Answer -
-*organic*: most pesticides are this; most are synthetic; extremely effective; specific;
principal focus of health/envtl concerns; commonly associated with problems of
pesticide use/misuse
-*inorganic*: derived from minerals; silica aerogel, boric acid, borates, diatomaceous
earth, copper, sulfur; some have been banned for health/envtl concerns; used mainly for
plant diseases and algicides; non-specific and less effective than organics
-*microbial*: cause disease in pests; Bt products (Bacillus thuringiensis); ag and home
gardens; one effective against mosquito larvae; high level of control may be possible;
highly specific, harmless to other species
Explain the difference between the different types of pesticide names. - Answer --
*Active Ingredient*: the part of product that has pesticide activity
-*Trade Names*: name given to commercial formulation of active ingredient; "brand";
sometimes same as common
-*Common Names*: active ingredients also have common name; appear on label on
same line with or just before chemical name
-*Chemical Names*: active ingredient given chemical name; long, hard to pronounce
-common and chemical name always refer to specific active ingredient and don't change
with brands.
Outline the characteristics of the insecticide groups discussed in this chapter. - Answer
--_*Synthetic Organic Insecticides*_: most widely used; 1)_organophosphates_ (widely
used, broad spectrum, non-residual, don't accumulate in non-target orgs)
2)_pyrethroids_ (synthetic, low toxicity to mammals, except cats, permethrin, residual
activity, effective at lower temps) 3)_neonicotinoids_ (highly active, low toxicity against
mammals, interfere w nervous system)
-_*Botanicals*_: rotenone, limonene, linalool, pyrethrins and oils (clove and mint);
nonpersistent, toxic to humans; not used as much
-_*Oils*_: surface films on water prevent larvae from getting oxygen; or reduce surface
tension so they drown
List the roles plants play in a healthy aquatic ecosystem. - Answer --producing oxygen
-preventing shoreline erosion
-lessening excess nutrients during growing season
-stabilizing lake bottom
-providing food and habitat for fish, waterfowl, and other aquatic animals
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Emergent aquatic plants - Answer --*growth habits*: rooted in shallow
water, most growth above water
-*means of dispersal*: underground root systems
-*potential problems*: very dense and may exclude recreational pursuits like boating,
fishing, and swimming. Purple loosestrife is an example of a problem species.
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Submergent aquatic plants (both pondweeds and plants with whorled
leaves) - Answer --*growth habits*: grow mostly under water surface, pondweeds
sometimes have floating leaves in addition to their submerged leaves; whorled-leaf
plants grow underwater with whorled leaf attachments
-*means of dispersal*: pondweeds have extensive root systems, runners, and can also
reproduce from seeds; plants with whorled leaves can disperse when uprooted by
breaking free and getting moved by the wind
-*potential problems*: most pondweeds not nuisance except for curlyleaf pondweed and
sometimes sago pondweed; whorled leaf plants can uproot and break free easily and
drift with wind to clutter shoreline; Eurasian watermilfoil is an aggressive non-native that
can affect habitat and restrict recreation. Raking is required to remove these clutters.
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Free-floating and rooted floating-leaved aquatic plants - Answer --*growth
habits*: occur on water surface and can be free-floating or rooted with large floating
leaves
-*means of dispersal*: free floating plants are easily windblown. rooted ones not so
much
-*potential problems*: free-floating plants accumulate on shorelines and are difficult to
control in large waterbodies; rooted plants are rarely a nuisance.
List ways that excessive plant growth can adversely affect the ecology and uses of a
water body. - Answer --harm ecology of aquatic ecosystem
-curtail or prevent recreational water uses (e.g. fishing, boating, swimming)
-impart tastes or odors to drinking water
-hamper water treatment operations
-adversely affect aesthetics, resort trade, and waterfront property values
-produce toxins that harm animals drinking the water
,Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Free-floating, filamentous, and "rooted" algae - Answer --*growth habits*:
found free-floating (planktonic) or attached to submerged surfaces (filamentous or
"rooted").
-*means of dispersal*: multiply rapidly in warm weather;
-*potential problems*: free-floating algae responsible for many nuisance algal blooms
(release toxin, low DO, blue-green algae); removing rooted algae can allow worse
species to come in so don't mess with them.
List the advantages and disadvantages of chemical control of aquatic plants and algae -
Answer -*Advantages*:
-offer longer-lasting control than some mechanical methods
-less physical labor
-ultimately cost less
-important tool for specific nuisance plants/algae such as Eurasian watermilfoil and
purple loosestrife
*Disadvantages*:
-restrictions on water use
-oxygen depletion and fish kills
-sudden nutrient release into water can lead to other plant or algae problems
-risk to people and nontarget organisms
Describe the beneficial roles of Wisconsin's fish populations. - Answer --maintain
balanced communities by feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and other fish & provide a
food source for natural predators
-fishing for food/sport is popular in WI and ddepends on healthy populations
-fish farms and hatcheries raise fish for food, feed, fertilizer, bait, and to release
List 5 types of situations in which fish control may be warranted - Answer --eliminating
undesirable or competing fish from fish rearing ponds
-removing exotic and other undesirable species from a waterbody
-thinning stunted fish to bring a population into balance
-eliminating fish from a hatchery water supply to prevent a potential reservoir of
disease-causing organisms
-treating fish spawning sites to prevent overpopulation of an individual species
Explain why post-treatment management can be important in the long-term success of a
pesticide treatment project. - Answer --because when fish populations are lowered,
density-dependent population growth allows the population to rebound if not managed
post-treatment
Know the Law: Who do you need to get approval from to conduct any chemical
treatment for fish control? - Answer -WI DNR Aquatic Plant Management Program
List the 2 main reasons why mosquito control may be warranted. - Answer --nuisance
-disease
,Describe the 4 stages of the mosquito life cycle, including the main structural features of
each - Answer --*egg*: laid in water, hatch in ~3 days, some laid on dry land and hatch
when flooded
-*larva*: "wiggler", 4 instars with molting in between each, filterers, air tube to breath
from surface
-*pupa*: comma shaped, non-feeding, lasts a few days, contain respiratory trumpets,
"tumblers"
-*adult*: 1 pair wings, elongated probiscis, pair of antennae, males have bushy
antennae while females have short and sparse antennae
List the types of info you need about a mosquito species before you can develop an
effective program to control it. - Answer --the types and locations of breeding sites
-# of generations per year
-host preference of the females (what animals they prefer to get blood from)
-seasonal population levels and how rainfall affects them
-their flight range
-common resting areas
-whether the species can transmit pathogens that may be present in your area
-whether the mosquitoes carry pathogens that are present in wildlife populations
Describe the habits of Aedes triseriatus, Aedes vexans, and Culex pipiens species of
mosquitoes. - Answer --*Aedes triseriatus*: tree-hole mosquito; breeds in old tires, tin
cans, barrels, tree holes and stumps; several generations per year; main vector of La
Crosse encephalitis
-*Aedes vexans*: most common pest species in state from late spring-late fall; "inland
floodwater mosquito"; larvae in roadside puddles, woodland pools, temporary pools, and
river bottoms; continuous breeding in wet years; survives winter and dry periods in egg
stage; adults migrate 15-20 miles or more from breeding sites and can live for 3-4
weeks; eggs dormant for up to 5 years before flooding prompts hatching
-*Culex pipiens*: breed in temporary or permanent pools that are high in OM like ditches
or sewage lagoons; females lay eggs in rafts and eggs hatch quickly; responsible for St.
Louis encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
-Both Aedes triseriatus and Culex pipiens breed in "backyard sites" like bird baths,
ponds, tree holes, buckets, tires, and rain barrels.
List the 3 main mosquito-transmitted diseases that occur in WI and know the mosquito
vector for each. - Answer --*La Crosse Encephalitis*: Aedes triseriatus
-*West Nile Virus*: Culex pipiens
-*Dog Heartworm*: Aedes vexans
Define the word pesticide and explain how the word differs from specific types of
pesticides. - Answer --*Pesticide*: any substance used to directly control pest
populations or to prevent or reduce pest damage
-'pesticide' is broad and refers to the killing of any pests. insecticide, fungicide, and
herbicide are specific.
, Discuss and explain some of the general characteristics of pesticides. - Answer --
*Mode of Action*: the way a chemical kills or harms target pest; classes of pesticides
often have same MOA; switching up MOAs in treating pests reduces pest resistance to
pesticide
-*Selectivity*: broad vs. narrow-spectrum; broad spectrum kills several different pest
types with sufficient dose; narrow spectrum kill only few related pests while not harming
others and may control only certain species or life stages.
-*Persistence*: how long they remain active to control pests; Residual pesticides control
for weeks/months/yrs
-*Contact vs. Systemic*: systemic are absorbed and translocated/transported within a
plant/animal; contact must directly touch pest or a site that the pest frequents
Contrast the difference between organic, inorganic and microbial pesticides. - Answer -
-*organic*: most pesticides are this; most are synthetic; extremely effective; specific;
principal focus of health/envtl concerns; commonly associated with problems of
pesticide use/misuse
-*inorganic*: derived from minerals; silica aerogel, boric acid, borates, diatomaceous
earth, copper, sulfur; some have been banned for health/envtl concerns; used mainly for
plant diseases and algicides; non-specific and less effective than organics
-*microbial*: cause disease in pests; Bt products (Bacillus thuringiensis); ag and home
gardens; one effective against mosquito larvae; high level of control may be possible;
highly specific, harmless to other species
Explain the difference between the different types of pesticide names. - Answer --
*Active Ingredient*: the part of product that has pesticide activity
-*Trade Names*: name given to commercial formulation of active ingredient; "brand";
sometimes same as common
-*Common Names*: active ingredients also have common name; appear on label on
same line with or just before chemical name
-*Chemical Names*: active ingredient given chemical name; long, hard to pronounce
-common and chemical name always refer to specific active ingredient and don't change
with brands.
Outline the characteristics of the insecticide groups discussed in this chapter. - Answer
--_*Synthetic Organic Insecticides*_: most widely used; 1)_organophosphates_ (widely
used, broad spectrum, non-residual, don't accumulate in non-target orgs)
2)_pyrethroids_ (synthetic, low toxicity to mammals, except cats, permethrin, residual
activity, effective at lower temps) 3)_neonicotinoids_ (highly active, low toxicity against
mammals, interfere w nervous system)
-_*Botanicals*_: rotenone, limonene, linalool, pyrethrins and oils (clove and mint);
nonpersistent, toxic to humans; not used as much
-_*Oils*_: surface films on water prevent larvae from getting oxygen; or reduce surface
tension so they drown
