Cat Drop Foundation

We all know that frogs feed on insects. Among these insects mosquitoes are some of its prey. Tadpoles on they other hand are more effective, they feed on the mosquito larvae. These Asian Painted Frogs (Kaloula pulchra) are too busy with other things, so some mosquitoes take their chance and feed on them.

Cupp and his colleagues (2006) investigated this matter back in 2003. They were investigating the role of amphibians and reptiles as a reservoir for eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne disease that mainly affects horses but can also affect people. They found that the mosquitoes were feeding for approximately 25% on amphibians, but they main source of blood seemed to come from reptiles. They did not proof that amphibians and reptiles are important hosts for the virus, but there are some indications that point that way. mosquito feeding on frog

Reference:
Cupp, E.W., D. Zhang, X. Yue, M.S. Cupp, C. Guyer, T.R. Sprenger and T.R. Unnasch. 2006. Identification of reptilian and amphibian blood meals from mosquitoes in an eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus focus in central Alabama, American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 71(3): 272–276.

Fight dengue fever by saving nature; we need your help.

As the environment deteriorates, dengue fever is increasing worldwide – threatening people in some of the world’s poorest communities. You can help fight back by assisting The Cat Drop Foundation. We are currently developing methods to fight dengue fever through environmental management. The environment has a great impact on the prevalence of mosquitoes, which transmit this deadly disease. With your support, our research can improve the environment by affecting predator species, water quality, and pollution – battling the mosquitoes that thrive in poor conditions. Your donation will be used to acquire equipment and support our important field work. Help us develop strategies that can not just save the environment, but reduce the worldwide burden of dengue fever.