Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes Albopictus Research Articles

A Literature Review on the Role of the Invasive Aedes albopictus in the Transmission of Avian Malaria Parasites.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an invasive mosquito species with a global distribution. This species has populations established in most continents, being considered one of the 100 most dangerous invasive species. Invasions of mosquitoes such as Ae. albopictus could facilitate local transmission of pathogens, impacting the epidemiology of some mosquito-borne diseases. Aedes albopictus is a vector of several pathogens affecting humans, including viruses such as dengue virus, Zika virus and Chikungunya virus, as well as parasites such as Dirofilaria. However, information about its competence for the transmission of parasites affecting wildlife, such as avian malaria parasites, is limited. In this literature review, we aim to explore the current knowledge about the relationships between Ae. albopictus and avian Plasmodium to understand the role of this mosquito species in avian malaria transmission. The prevalence of avian Plasmodium in field-collected Ae. albopictus is generally low, although studies have been conducted in a small proportion of the affected countries. In addition, the competence of Ae. albopictus for the transmission of avian malaria parasites has been only proved for certain Plasmodium morphospecies under laboratory conditions. Therefore, Ae. albopictus may play a minor role in avian Plasmodium transmission in the wild, likely due to its mammal-biased blood-feeding pattern and its reduced competence for the development of different avian Plasmodium. However, further studies considering other avian Plasmodium species and lineages circulating under natural conditions should be carried out to properly assess the vectorial role of Ae. albopictus for the Plasmodium species naturally circulating in its distribution range.

Mosquito population dynamics is shaped by the interaction among larval density, season, and land use.

Understanding how variation in key abiotic and biotic factors interact at spatial scales relevant for mosquito fitness and population dynamics is crucial for predicting current and future mosquito distributions and abundances, and the transmission potential for human pathogens. However, studies investigating the effects of environmental variation on mosquito traits have investigated environmental factors in isolation or in laboratory experiments that examine constant environmental conditions that often do not occur in the field. To address these limitations, we conducted a semi-field experiment in Athens, Georgia using the invasive Asian tiger mosquito ( Aedes albopictus ). We selected nine sites that spanned natural variation in impervious surface and vegetation cover to explore effects of the microclimate (temperature and humidity) on mosquitoes. On these sites, we manipulated conspecific larval density at each site. We repeated the experiment in the summer and fall. We then evaluated the effects of land cover, larval density, and time of season, as well as interactive effects, on the mean proportion of females emerging, juvenile development time, size upon emergence, and predicted per capita population growth (i.e., fitness). We found significant effects of larval density, land cover, and season on all response variables. Of most note, we saw strong interactive effects of season and intra-specific density on each response variable, including a non-intuitive decrease in development time with increasing intra-specific competition in the fall. Our study demonstrates that ignoring the interaction between variation in biotic and abiotic variables could reduce the accuracy and precision of models used to predict mosquito population and pathogen transmission dynamics, especially those inferring dynamics at finer-spatial scales across which transmission and control occur.

A genotyping array for the globally invasive vector mosquito, Aedes albopictus

BackgroundAlthough whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the preferred genotyping method for most genomic analyses, limitations are often experienced when studying genomes characterized by a high percentage of repetitive elements, high linkage, and recombination deserts. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), for example, has a genome comprising up to 72% repetitive elements, and therefore we set out to develop a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip to be more cost-effective. Aedes albopictus is an invasive species originating from Southeast Asia that has recently spread around the world and is a vector for many human diseases. Developing an accessible genotyping platform is essential in advancing biological control methods and understanding the population dynamics of this pest species, with significant implications for public health.MethodsWe designed a SNP chip for Ae. albopictus (Aealbo chip) based on approximately 2.7 million SNPs identified using WGS data from 819 worldwide samples. We validated the chip using laboratory single-pair crosses, comparing technical replicates, and comparing genotypes of samples genotyped by WGS and the SNP chip. We then used the chip for a population genomic analysis of 237 samples from 28 sites in the native range to evaluate its usefulness in describing patterns of genomic variation and tracing the origins of invasions.ResultsProbes on the Aealbo chip targeted 175,396 SNPs in coding and non-coding regions across all three chromosomes, with a density of 102 SNPs per 1 Mb window, and at least one SNP in each of the 17,461 protein-coding genes. Overall, 70% of the probes captured the genetic variation. Segregation analysis found that 98% of the SNPs followed expectations of single-copy Mendelian genes. Comparisons with WGS indicated that sites with genotype disagreements were mostly heterozygotes at loci with WGS read depth < 20, while there was near complete agreement with WGS read depths > 20, indicating that the chip more accurately detects heterozygotes than low-coverage WGS. Sample sizes did not affect the accuracy of the SNP chip genotype calls. Ancestry analyses identified four to five genetic clusters in the native range with various levels of admixture.ConclusionsThe Aealbo chip is highly accurate, is concordant with genotypes from WGS with high sequence coverage, and may be more accurate than low-coverage WGS.Graphical

Avian Plasmodium in invasive and native mosquitoes from southern Spain

BackgroundThe emergence of diseases of public health concern is enhanced by factors associated with global change, such as the introduction of invasive species. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), considered a competent vector of different viruses and parasites, has been successfully introduced into Europe in recent decades. Molecular screening of parasites in mosquitoes (i.e. molecular xenomonitoring) is essential to understand the potential role of different native and invasive mosquito species in the local circulation of vector-borne parasites affecting both humans and wildlife.MethodsThe presence of avian Plasmodium parasites was molecularly tested in mosquitoes trapped in five localities with different environmental characteristics in southern Spain from May to November 2022. The species analyzed included the native Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata and the invasive Ae. albopictus.ResultsAvian Plasmodium DNA was only found in Cx. pipiens with 31 positive out of 165 mosquito pools tested. None of the Ae. albopictus or Cs. longiareolata pools were positive for avian malaria parasites. Overall, eight Plasmodium lineages were identified, including a new lineage described here. No significant differences in parasite prevalence were found between localities or sampling sessions.ConclusionsUnlike the invasive Ae. albopictus, Cx. pipiens plays a key role in the transmission of avian Plasmodium in southern Spain. However, due to the recent establishment of Ae. albopictus in the area, further research on the role of this species in the local transmission of vector-borne pathogens with different reservoirs is required.Graphical

Hierarchical shift of the Aedes albopictus microbiota caused by antimicrobiota vaccine increases fecundity and egg-hatching rate in female mosquitoes.

Recent studies show that mosquito-microbiota interactions affects vector competence and fitness. We investigated if host antibodies modifying microbiota impact mosquito physiology. We focused on three prevalent bacteria (Acinetobacter, Pantoea, and Chryseobacterium), originally isolated from the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. Our goal was to assess the impact of host antibodies on mosquito microbiota and life traits. Female mosquitoes were fed with blood from rabbits immunized with each bacterium or a mock vaccine. We compared various factors, including feeding behavior, survival rates, and reproductive success of the mosquitoes. Interestingly, mosquitoes fed with blood from a Chryseobacterium-immunized rabbit showed a significant increase in fecundity and egg-hatching rate. This outcome correlated with a decrease in the abundance of Chryseobacterium within the mosquito microbiota. While no significant changes were observed in the alpha and beta diversity indexes between the groups, our network analyses revealed an important finding. The antimicrobiota vaccines had a considerable impact on the bacterial community assembly. They reduced network robustness, and altered the hierarchical organization of nodes in the networks. Our findings provide the basis for the rational design of antimicrobiota vaccines to reduce mosquito fitness and potentially induce infection-refractory states in the microbiota to block pathogen transmission.

Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I variation in Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus): Determination of the different and multiple introduction situations in Turkiye

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) is an invasive mosquito species that can transmit many arboviral diseases. In Turkiye, this species was found first in Thrace in 2011, then in the Eastern Black Sea in 2014, and in the Aegean regions in 2018. We analyzed the COI gene region of 554 samples from 13 different locations in the Black Sea, Aegean, and Marmara regions to determine the COI diversity and possible introduction origin of A. albopictus in Türkiye. Three haplotypes derived from two segregation sites were detected, and the Hd and π values were 0.175 and 0.00029, respectively. Hap_1 was a common haplotype and was detected in all regions. Hap_2 was detected in the Black Sea and Marmara regions, while Hap_3 was rare, and recorded only in Aegean lineages. In pairwise FSTs of 13 geographical populations, the Marmara lineages were statistically different from the Black Sea and Aegean lineages (except the Mugla samples). AMOVA test results indicated significant differences between the three studied regions (df = 2, f = 0.01784). Although Turkish Aedes albopictus lineages appear to have originated from temperate Northern Italy lineages and Aegean lineages may have originated from a mix of Italy and Albania lineages, the results revealed multiple introduction events via various routes.

First record of the invasive Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictus in Cyprus based on information collected by citizen scientists

Aedes invasive mosquitoes are a serious human health concern worldwide. The Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictus is considered one of the world’s worst invasive alien species. It is a nuisance species and a vector of arboviruses andDirofilaria spp., causing negative socio-economic impacts. This article reports the detection ofAe. albopictus by citizens on the island of Cyprus for the first time. Specimens were collected from urban sites situated within Limassol district. Records were verified by experts, using both morphological and molecular methods. Given both the human health risks associated withAe. albopictus and with the recent rediscovery ofAe. aegypti on the island, intensive monitoring efforts and collaboration between the authorities are required to assess the current distribution of theseAedes invasive mosquitoes and rapidly implement elimination measures. Citizen scientists should be encouraged to monitorAedes invasive mosquitoes as this could significantly contribute to the surveillance and control efforts undertaken by the authorities.

The origin of black and white coloration of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Micro- and nanostructures of the white and black scales on the tarsi of the mosquito Aedes albopictus are analysed using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. Reflectance spectra of the white areas are measured. No clear difference is present in the morphology of micro- and nanostructures of black and white scales in SEM and TEM, but black scales contain a dark pigment. The white colour of the scales has a structural origin. The structural white produced by the micro- and nanostructures of the scales on the tarsi of Ae. albopictus appears bright and is angle-dependent, since the reflected light changes according to the angle detection and according to the tarsus orientation. The optical appearance of the scale system of Ae. albopictus has a complex nature and can be explained by the combination of several effects. Among them, multiple refraction and reflection on the micro- and nanostructures of the scales are mainly responsible for the white appearance. The results suggest that mosquito scales, in addition to their superhydrophobic function, produce structural white. The biological role of white and black patches in mate recognition and defensive behaviour in the mosquitoes of the genus Aedes is hypothesized.

Impact of larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus on larvae of the Culex pipiens complex from Germany in laboratory co-breeding studies.

Since the first detection of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) eggs in Germany in 2007, several populations of this species have established in Germany. Although colloquially Ae. albopictus is called an 'invasive species', it is not considered 'invasive' and therefore to be controlled according to the European Union (EU) Environmental and Nature Protection Act since evidence of displacement of native species is missing. To test the competitive potential of Ae. albopictus towards mosquito species native to Germany, laboratory experiments were conducted with larvae of this species and indigenous Cx. pipiens complex species/biotypes. First instar larvae of Ae. albopictus and of one of the native taxa were exposed to different temperatures and fed with different food sources. The ratio of individuals developing into adults as well as the time the larvae needed for development were taken as a measure of competitive outcome. In addition, the size of emerging adults was compared between control and experimental groups. Regarding developmental time, no significant differences were found between treatments and controls while significant differences were found regarding developmental rate and average wing size of individuals. Because no evidence of competitive repression of the native species was found, Ae. albopictus cannot be included in the EU list of invasive species.

Population genetics of an invasive mosquito vector, Aedes albopictus in the Northeastern USA.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) arrived in the USA in the 1980's and rapidly spread throughout eastern USA within a decade. The predicted northern edge of its overwintering distribution on the East Coast of the USA roughly falls across New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, where the species has been recorded as early as 2000. It is unclear whether Ae. albopictus populations have become established and survive the cold winters in these areas or are recolonized every year. We genotyped and analyzed populations of Ae. albopictus from the northeast USA using 15 microsatellite markers and compared them with other populations across the country and to representatives of the major global genetic clades to investigate their connectivity and stability. Founder effects or bottlenecks were rare at the northern range of the Ae. albopictus distribution in the northeastern USA, with populations displaying high levels of genetic diversity and connectivity along the East Coast. There is no evidence of population turnover in Connecticut during the course of three consecutive years, with consistent genetic structure throughout this period. Overall, these results support the presence of established populations of Ae. albopictus in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, successfully overwintering and migrating in large numbers. Given the stability and interconnectedness of these populations, Ae. albopictus has the potential to continue to proliferate and expand its range northward under mean warming conditions of climate change. Efforts to control Ae. albopictus in these areas should thus focus on vector suppression rather than eradication strategies, as local populations have become firmly established and are expected to reemerge every summer.

Efficacy of native cyclopoid copepods in biological vector control with regard to their predatory behavior against the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus

BackgroundThe control of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) is crucial owing to its high vector competence for more than 20 arboviruses—the most important being dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus. Aedes albopictus has an enormous adaptive potential, and its invasive spreading across urban and suburban environments poses challenges for its control. Therefore, all suitable, cost-effective and eco-friendly control tools should be put into practice. In this context, cyclopoid copepods are already known as effective predators of mosquito larvae. This study reports an essential preliminary step towards the integration of copepods into the vector control strategy in Germany, in order to provide a sustainable tool in an integrated control strategy based on the elimination or sanitation of breeding sites, the use of formulations based on Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti.) and the sterile insect technique (SIT).MethodsThe predatory potential of native cyclopoid copepods, namely the field-derived species Megacyclops viridis (Crustacea: Cyclopidae), was examined against the larvae of Ae. albopictus, and for comparison, against the larvae of the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae). The use of different larval instars as prey, and various predator-to-prey ratios, were examined under laboratory and semi-field conditions. The compatibility of Bti. applications along with the use of copepods was assessed in the laboratory.ResultsHigh predation efficiency of M. viridis upon first-instar larvae of Ae. albopictus was observed under laboratory (up to 96%) and semi-field conditions (65.7%). The copepods did not prey upon stages further developed than the first instars, and in comparison with Ae. albopictus, the predation rates on the larvae of Cx. pipiens s.l. were significantly lower.ConclusionsThe results indicate a high predation potential of M. viridis against Ae. albopictus larvae, even though strong larval stage and mosquito species preferences were implicated. The integration of copepods as a promising biocontrol agent to the vector control strategy in Germany is therefore highly recommended, especially because of the excellent compatibility of copepods with the use of Bti. However, further research is required, concerning all the probable parameters that may impact the copepod performance under natural conditions.Graphical

Essential oil-in-water microemulsions for topical application: structural study, cytotoxic effect and insect repelling activity

Essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic plants have been well recognized for their insect repellent properties. Although EOs are effective when freshly applied, their protective effect usually dissipates quickly due to low chemical stability and rapid volatilization of their ingredients. To address this issue, encapsulation in protective carrier materials at the nanoscale is proposed. In this study, oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsions containing geraniol or Citrepel® 75 (citrepel) as the oil phase, a mixture of water and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) as the aqueous phase and caprylocaproyl polyoxyl-8 glycerides as surfactant were formulated and structurally characterized. DLS analysis showed that the emulsified oil droplets had low polydispersity (PdI<0.3) and average hydrodynamic diameter ranging from 13.7 ± 0.7–35.2 ± 2.7 nm, depending on composition. Mean viscosity of all prepared microemulsions was from 15.7 ± 0.3 cP to 23.8 ± 0.2 cP indicating the suitability of all preparations for topical application. EPR spectroscopy using spin probes gave information about the rigidity of the surfactants’ monolayer. In all cases an outer compact configuration of the interfacial layer and a more flexible inner one was observed. SAXS measurements revealed significant changes in the low q values related to the impact of geraniol and citrepel in microemulsion formulations. Looking at the high q region of the spectra, the curves were affected by the presence of the compounds in a concentration depended manner. Cytotoxicity studies on normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHKs) confirmed that the sub-toxic dosage for geraniol-in-water and citrepel-in-water microemulsions is 56.25 μg active ingredient per cm2 of cell monolayer. Finally, diluted geraniol-in-water microemulsions were evaluated for repellence action against the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) showing activity for 3 h at a dose of 190 μg/cm2 active ingredient. Gaining a comprehensive understanding from all the results, promising candidates for topical application of geraniol as insect repellent based on safe microemulsions were proposed.

Mass Trapping and Larval Source Management for Mosquito Elimination on Small Maldivian Islands.

Simple SummaryThe globalization of trade and travel, in combination with climate change, have resulted in the geographical expansion of mosquito-borne diseases. Moreover, over-reliance on chemical pesticides to control mosquitoes has resulted in resistance, which threatens the management of disease risk. We show, for the first time, that mosquito traps baited with human odors, in combination with controlling mosquito larvae in breeding sites, resulted in the near elimination of mosquito populations on two small islands, and the elimination of Aedes mosquitoes for 6+ months on a third island, in the Maldives. The levels of control achieved are comparable to current genetic control methods that are far more costly and impractical for implementation on small islands. The approach presented here poses the first alternative in decades to manage mosquito-borne disease risk on small (tropical) islands in an affordable and environmentally friendly manner.Globally, environmental impacts and insecticide resistance are forcing pest control organizations to adopt eco-friendly and insecticide-free alternatives to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, which affect millions of people, such as dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus. We used, for the first time, a combination of human odor-baited mosquito traps (at 6.0 traps/ha), oviposition traps (7.2 traps/ha) and larval source management (LSM) to practically eliminate populations of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (peak suppression 93.0% (95% CI 91.7–94.4)) and the Southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (peak suppression 98.3% (95% CI 97.0–99.5)) from a Maldivian island (size: 41.4 ha) within a year and thereafter observed a similar collapse of populations on a second island (size 49.0 ha; trap densities 4.1/ha and 8.2/ha for both trap types, respectively). On a third island (1.6 ha in size), we increased the human odor-baited trap density to 6.3/ha and then to 18.8/ha (combined with LSM but without oviposition traps), after which the Aedes mosquito population was eliminated within 2 months. Such suppression levels eliminate the risk of arboviral disease transmission for local communities and safeguard tourism, a vital economic resource for small island developing states. Terminating intense insecticide use (through fogging) benefits human and environmental health and restores insect biodiversity, coral reefs and marine life in these small and fragile island ecosystems. Moreover, trapping poses a convincing alternative to chemical control and reaches impact levels comparable to contemporary genetic control strategies. This can benefit numerous communities and provide livelihood options in small tropical islands around the world where mosquitoes pose both a nuisance and disease threat.

Pilot Study of Invasive Mosquito Species Control in Selected Slovenian Municipalities

Abstract To reduce the population of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae), a mosquito control campaign was organized by five Slovenian municipalities in 2020. The campaign focused on the application of Aquatain AMFTM in public water containers. The main objective of our study was to test the efficacy of the agent by directly testing the water drains for mosquito larvae and monitoring the density of the mosquito population. The drains were inspected before and after the application of the product from May to September. A water sample was taken from the drains using a dipper. For mosquito monitoring, the number of mosquito eggs and adult mosquitoes was counted from June to October. Up to two weeks after the application of the product, we observed the lethal effect of Aquatain on mosquito larvae, pupae and adult mosquitoes. After rainfall, the product was washed away and the live mosquitoes were sampled in the inspected water drains. The average number of eggs collected per site was twice as high in the area without mosquito control as in the threated locations. Nevertheless, we assessed the mosquito control campaign as partially successful, as mosquito abundance was still high in the locations with mosquito control. However, we believe that this is a good starting point and that mosquito control should be continued in the future together with the citizen education campaign.

Update on the Dispersal of Aedes albopictus in Mexico: 1988–2021

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is one of the most important mosquito species in public health due to the variety of disease-causing viruses that this species can transmit. In Mexico, Ae. albopictus was reported for the first time in 1990 in the state of Tamaulipas, bordering to the state of Texas (USA). Since then, Ae. albopictus has been reported in 15 Mexican states. Currently, this species is present in all tropical and subtropical regions of the country and its presence is common in the states of the Gulf of Mexico and Chiapas. In the present study, the presence of Ae. albopictus is reported in six additional states: Colima, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Puebla, Oaxaca, and Querétaro. The rapid dispersal of Ae. albopictus in Mexico represents a risk to public health, and the surveillance of this species in regions where it has not yet been reported is essential as part of Mexican entomological surveillance programs.

Low Immune Cross-Reactivity between West Nile Virus and a Zika Virus Vaccine Based on Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus whose infection in pregnant women is associated with a spectrum of birth defects, which are together referred as Congenital Zika Syndrome. In addition, ZIKV can also induce Guillain–Barré syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease with neurological symptoms. The recent description of the first local infections of ZIKV in the European continent together with the expansion of one of its potential vectors, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), invite us to be prepared for future outbreaks of ZIKV in this geographical region. However, the antigenic similarities of ZIKV with other flaviviruses can lead to an immune cross-reactivity with other circulating flaviviruses inducing, in some cases, flavivirus-disease exacerbation by antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection, which is a major concern for ZIKV vaccine development. Until now, West Nile virus (WNV) is the main medically relevant flavivirus circulating in the Mediterranean Basin. Therefore, anticipating the potential scenario of emergency vaccination against ZIKV in areas of Europe where WNV is endemic, in this investigation, we have evaluated the cross-reactivity between WNV and our previously developed ZIKV vaccine candidate based on modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector expressing ZIKV structural proteins (MVA-ZIKV). To this end, mice were first immunized with MVA-ZIKV, subsequently challenged with WNV, and then, the ZIKV- and WNV-specific immune responses and protection against WNV were evaluated. Our results indicate low cross-reactivity between the MVA-ZIKV vaccine candidate and WNV and absence of ADE, supporting the safety of this ZIKV vaccine candidate in areas where the circulation of WNV is endemic.

First Nationwide Monitoring Program for the Detection of Potentially Invasive Mosquito Species in Austria.

Simple SummaryIn the last years several alien mosquito species have been introduced into Austria. Those species pose a threat, as they—especially the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)—can transmit many pathogens. The aim of this study is a nationwide overview on the situation of alien mosquitoes in Austria. Using traps representing ideal breeding sites for those mosquitoes, we collected, counted and identified the species of the mosquito eggs laid in the traps. The Asian tiger mosquito was found at two sites, once in Tyrol, where this species has been reported before, and for the first time in the province of Lower Austria. The Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus) was widespread and abundant in Austria. Although it was found in all provinces, the Asian bush mosquito was more often found in the South than the North and more eggs were collected in urban/industrial/transport areas than in (mostly) natural areas. Further, more eggs from the Asian bush mosquito were found in samples collected at higher daily mean temperatures, and fewer eggs in samples collected at higher daily maximum wind speeds. The results of this study will help to better understand the risk from alien mosquitoes to human health in Austria and will be useful to show future changes in the distribution of those species.In Austria, only fragmented information on the occurrence of alien and potentially invasive mosquito species exists. The aim of this study is a nationwide overview on the situation of those mosquitoes in Austria. Using a nationwide uniform protocol for the first time, mosquito eggs were sampled with ovitraps at 45 locations in Austria at weekly intervals from May to October 2020. The sampled eggs were counted and the species were identified by genetic analysis. The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus was found at two sites, once in Tyrol, where this species has been reported before, and for the first time in the province of Lower Austria, at a motorway rest stop. The Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus was widespread in Austria. It was found in all provinces and was the most abundant species in the ovitraps by far. Aedes japonicus was more abundant in the South than in the North and more eggs were found in habitats with artificial surfaces than in (semi-) natural areas. Further, the number of Ae. japonicus eggs increased with higher ambient temperature and decreased with higher wind speed. The results of this study will contribute to a better estimation of the risk of mosquito-borne disease in Austria and will be a useful baseline for a future documentation of changes in the distribution of those species.

Genome Variation of Endosymbiotic Wolbachia in Introduced Populations of Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus from Krasnodar Krai

Genome Variation of Endosymbiotic Wolbachia in Introduced Populations of Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus from Krasnodar Krai

Blood-feeding and oviposition of yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in summer and winter in Hanoi, Vietnam

Blood-feeding and oviposition of yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in summer and winter in Hanoi, Vietnam

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Vietnam: Evidence for Genetic Differentiation by Climate Region.

Aedes albopictus is a native mosquito to Southeast Asia with a high potential for disease transmission. Understanding how Ae. albopictus populations that develop in the species’ native range is useful for planning future control strategies and for identifying the sources of invasive ranges. The present study aims to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of Ae. albopictus across various climatic regions of Vietnam. We analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences from specimens collected from 16 localities, and we used distance-based redundancy analysis to evaluate the amount of variation in the genetic distance that could be explained by both geographic distance and climatic factors. High levels of genetic polymorphism were detected, and the haplotypes were similar to those sequences from both temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Of note, these haplotype groups were geographically distributed, resulting in a distinct population structure in which northeastern populations and the remaining populations were genetically differentiated. Notably, genetic variation among the Ae. albopictus populations was driven primarily by climatic factors (64.55%) and to a lesser extent was also influenced by geographic distance (33.73%). These findings fill important gaps in the current understanding of the population genetics of Ae. albopictus in Vietnam, especially with respect to providing data to track the origin of the invaded regions worldwide.