Characterizing the seasonal abundance and reproductive activity of overwintering Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes.

ABSTRACT: In temperate regions of the United States, female Anopheles mosquitoes respond to low temperatures and short photoperiods by entering an overwintering dormancy or diapause. Diapause in Anopheles results in reduced frequency of blood-feeding and reproductive arrest, indicating a period when pathogen transmission by these mosquitoes is unlikely. However, it is unclear precisely how late into the fall and how early in the spring these mosquitoes are biting, reproducing, and potentially transmitting pathogens. This is further complicated by the lack of clear markers of diapause in Anopheles (e.g., changes in egg follicle length). Our goal was to characterize the seasonal reproductive activity of female Anopheles in central Ohio, United States and evaluate egg follicle length as an indicator of

SUBMITTER: Dehus H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11491840 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature