100 - Elemental Stoichiometry of Larval Culex Mosquitoes and the Effect of mosquitofish on the community dynamics of a constructed treatment wetland in Hemet CA

Abstract: Culex mosquito ecology is complex and incompletely understood. To better understand how biotic and abiotic factors influence larval Culex growth and elemental homeostasis, we conducted two separate but interrelated projects aimed at elucidating the effect of differences in larval food quality and quantity on the growth and whole body stoichiometry of Culex quinquefasciatus and Cx. tarsalis larvae. A second project focused on measuring the effect of larvivorous fish (Gambusia affinis) on the entire aquatic insect assemblage in a constructed treatment wetland. Both projects will be discussed with emphasis on how Bill Walton influenced their design and analysis as well as how the presenter's knowledge of statistical inference and approach to science has evolved. Topics include experimental design, traditional statistical analyses, statistical models and multi-model comparisons, use of R statistical language and R Studio to implement advanced statistical models including full Bayesian model implementation with STAN, use of directed acyclic graphs, and causal analysis to inform scientific discussion and progress.