Abstract
Aedes aegypti is an invasive mosquito species that is expected to expand its global distribution through climate change. As poikilotherms, mosquitoes are greatly affected by the temperature of the environment which can impact host-seeking, blood-feeding, and flight activity as well as survival and ability to transmit pathogens. However, an important aspect of mosquito biology on which the effect of temperature has not been investigated is water and sugar-feeding and how access to a sugar source might affect the insect’s activity and survival under different thermal conditions. To close this knowledge gap, we relied on actometer experiments to study the activity of both female and male Ae. aegypti at 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C, providing either water or 10% sucrose to the insects. We then measured the total carbohydrate contents of alive mosquitoes using the anthrone protocol. Survival was assessed and compared between all groups. Results from this study will inform on the thermal biology of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and how access to sugar affects their activity.
Highlights
The average global surface temperature is projected to increase throughout the 21st century [1].This might lead to longer infection seasons and expansion of multiple vectors’ geographic distributions, resulting in an increase of vector-borne disease risk
Results from this study will inform on the thermal biology of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and how access to sugar affects their activity
The daily patterns of activity and survival results from the actometer experiments provide essential insights into how females and males are affected by temperature and how this effect is mediated by access to sugar
Summary
The average global surface temperature is projected to increase throughout the 21st century [1]. This might lead to longer infection seasons and expansion of multiple vectors’ geographic distributions, resulting in an increase of vector-borne disease risk. A disease vector insect of particular concern is Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus in Hasselquist, 1762), which can transmit dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever [4]. Ae. aegypti distribution is currently the widest ever recorded [6]. It has expanded widely Northward in the United States since 1995 [7] and is projected to expand substantially around the world [8]. The number of people at risk is expected to significantly increase, with Australian, European, and North American populations expected to have the largest proportional increase in exposure (63–80% by 2061–2080) [9]
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