Evasive Maneuvers of Mosquitoes Reveal Variability in Escape Success and Echolocation Plasticity of Myotis riparius (Vespertilionidae)

Abstract

Evasive maneuvers are essential behaviors to escape predator attacks. Several studies describe the advantages of evasive maneuvers when adopted by eared moths, under the risk of attack by bats. However, little is known about this behavior when expressed by dipterans in natural environments. Here, we provide the first description of evasive flight strategies exhibited by two sympatric mosquito species, Aedes scapularis and Culex quinquefasciatus, when attacked by Myotis riparius bats in riverine environments. Our results showed that C. quinquefasciatus exhibited highly maneuverable looping dives, which were 10 times more effective at avoiding predation compared to the linear escape strategy of A. scapularis. In both cases, bats adjust their call parameters to maximize their ability to capture mosquitoes. Our results indicate that mosquitoes can detect approaching bats and react appropriately, with escape largely influenced by the type of evasive maneuver. By demonstrating species-specific differences in mosquito escape strategies and corresponding adjustments in bat echolocation calls, this study provides new insights into the role of predation pressure in shaping both insect flight behavior and adaptability of predator hunting tactics. These findings provide empirical support to the concept of a co-evolutionary arms race between aerial predators and their prey.