Abstract
Monitoring the invasion process of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus and its interaction with the contender Aedes aegypti, is critical to prevent and control the arthropod-borne viruses (i.e., Arboviruses) they transmit to humans. Generally, the superior ecological competitor Ae. albopictus displaces Ae. aegypti from most geographic areas, with the combining factors of biology and environment influencing the competitive outcome. Nonetheless, detailed studies asserting displacement come largely from sub-tropical areas, with relatively less effort being made in tropical environments, including no comprehensive research about Aedes biological interactions in Mesoamerica. Here, we examine contemporary and historical mosquito surveillance data to assess the role of shifting abiotic conditions in shaping the spatiotemporal distribution of competing Aedes species in the Republic of Panama. In accordance with prior studies, we show that Ae. albopictus has displaced Ae. aegypti under suboptimal wet tropical climate conditions and more vegetated environments within the southwestern Azuero Peninsula. Conversely, in the eastern Azuero Peninsula, Ae. aegypti persists with Ae. albopictus under optimal niche conditions in a dry and more seasonal tropical climate. While species displacement was stable over the course of two years, the presence of both species generally appears to fluctuate in tandem in areas of coexistence. Aedes albopictus was always more frequently found and abundant regardless of location and climatic season. The heterogenous environmental conditions of Panama shape the competitive outcome and micro-geographic distribution of Aedes mosquitoes, with potential consequences for the transmission dynamics of urban and sylvatic zoonotic diseases.
Highlights
In the modern era, the invasion of insect vectors is often associated with long distance commodity trade, including various examples of human assisted-dispersal by ships, airplanes and terrestrial vehicles (Lounibos and Kramer 2016)
Our findings from the Azuero Peninsula and more broadly from across Panama confirm that Ae. albopictus is rapidly displacing Ae. aegypti throughout certain regions
Our data extend on previous findings to show that Ae. albopictus has displaced Ae. aegypti on the southwestern side of the Azuero Peninsula of Panama in less than 5 years, and that this extirpation is stable throughout time including both the rainy season and dry season months
Summary
The invasion of insect vectors is often associated with long distance commodity trade, including various examples of human assisted-dispersal by ships, airplanes and terrestrial vehicles (Lounibos and Kramer 2016). One important example is the global expansion and ecological success of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) and Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) mosquitoes, for which preadaptation to human commensalism has promoted their ability to disperse via our transport networks. The eggs of Aedes (Stegomyia) spp. have evolved hydrophobic outer layers to remain viable for months even while the surrounding water habitat has dried, allowing them to hatch when rain returns. This strategy allows mosquitoes in natural tree-hole habitats to persist through the dry season, whilst in anthropogenic settings they can resist desiccation inside artificial containers such as usedtires (Rose et al 2020). Is the development and survival of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti influenced by human behaviour, but people offer transportation routes and commodities for these vectors to invade novel geographic areas
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