In California vernal pools, both California Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) and predaceous diving beetle larvae (family Dytiscidae) serve as top predators, playing key roles in shaping aquatic ecosystems. Through mesocosm experiments, we aim to investigate whether salamander larvae face higher mortality in the presence of predaceous diving beetle larvae, the predation rates between them, and how size disparities between these two predators may affect these interactions. Additionally, we seek to deepen our understanding of trophic dynamics in these ecosystems. As vernal pools continue to decline due to habitat loss and degradation, understanding these predator-prey interactions is essential for informing conservation efforts and managing the cascading effects of species interactions.

Jesse Schmieg is a vernal pool community ecologist with passions for California Tiger Salamander conservation. Currently studying as a master's candidate at Sonoma State University, Jesse is completing their thesis on predator-prey interactions between the California Tiger Salamander and predacious diving beetles. Outside of their master's, Jesse is also the graduate assistant for the Fairfield Osborn Preserve, and a seasonal naturalist at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. In their spare time you can find Jesse assisting with California Red-legged Frog research, working in science outreach, or conducting creek herpetofauna surveys.