The Use of Automated Traps to Assess the Efficacy of Insecticide Barrier Treatments Against Abundant Mosquitoes in Remote Environments

Temperature Dependency of Insect's Wingbeat Frequencies: An Empirical Approach to Temperature Correction

This study examines the relationship between the wingbeat frequency of flying insects and ambient temperature, leveraging data from over 302,000 insect observations obtained using a near-infrared optical sensor during an eight-month field experiment. By measuring the wingbeat frequency as well as wing and body optical cross-sections of each insect in conjunction with the ambient temperature, we identified five clusters of insects and analyzed how their average wingbeat frequencies evolved over temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 38 °C. Our findings reveal a positive correlation between temperature and wingbeat frequency, with a more pronounced increase observed at higher wingbeat frequencies. Frequencies increased on average by 2.02 Hz/°C at 50 Hz, and up to 9.63 Hz/°C at 525 Hz, and a general model is proposed. This model offers a valuable tool for correcting wingbeat frequencies with temperature, enhancing the accuracy of insect clustering by optical and acoustic sensors. While this approach does not account for species-specific responses to temperature changes, our research provides a general insight, based on all species present during the field experiment, into the intricate dynamics of insect flight behavior in relation to environmental factors.

An optical system to detect, surveil, and kill flying insect vectors of human and crop pathogens

Sustainable and effective means to control flying insect vectors are critically needed, especially with widespread insecticide resistance and global climate change. Understanding and controlling vectors requires accurate information about their movement and activity, which is often lacking. The Photonic Fence (PF) is an optical system that uses machine vision, infrared light, and lasers to identify, track, and interdict vectors in flight. The PF examines an insect's outline, flight speed, and other flight parameters and if these match those of a targeted vector species, then a low-power, retina-safe laser kills it. We report on proof-of-concept tests of a large, field-sized PF (30 mL × 3 mH) conducted with Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that transmits dangerous arboviruses, and Diaphorina citri, a psyllid which transmits the fatal huanglongbing disease of citrus. In tests with the laser engaged, < 1% and 3% of A. aegypti and D. citri, respectfully, were recovered versus a 38% and 19% recovery when the lacer was silenced. The PF tracked, but did not intercept the orchid bee, Euglossa dilemma. The system effectively intercepted flying vectors, but not bees, at a distance of 30 m, heralding the use of photonic energy, rather than chemicals, to control flying vectors.

Invasive mosquito vectors in Europe: From bioecology to surveillance and management

Invasive mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) play a key role in the spread of a number of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide. Anthropogenic changes play a significant role in affecting their distribution. Invasive mosquitoes usually take advantage from biotic homogenization and biodiversity reduction, therefore expanding in their distribution range and abundance. In Europe, climate warming and increasing urbanization are boosting the spread of several mosquito species of high public health importance. The present article contains a literature review focused on the biology and ecology of Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti, Ae. japonicus japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. atropalpus and Ae. triseriatus, outlining their distribution and public health relevance in Europe. Bioecology insights were tightly connected with vector surveillance and control programs targeting these species. In the final section, a research agenda aiming for the effective and sustainable monitoring and control of invasive mosquitoes in the framework of Integrated Vector Management and One Health is presented. The WHO Vector Control Advisory Group recommends priority should be given to vector control tools with proven epidemiological impact.

What Do We Know About the Invasive Mosquitoes Aedes atropalpus and Aedes triseriatus?

Purpose of Review

Mosquito-borne diseases are a serious concern in Europe since the proliferation of invasive mosquito species increases the risk of epidemics. Aedes spp. (Diptera: Culicidae) are among the most dangerous mosquito vectors in Europe. Among Aedes spp., less attention has been paid to the North American invasive species, Aedes atropalpus and Aedes triseriatus, although these species are vectors of serious diseases. This article aims to provide information about the current status and prospective of these species in Europe.

Recent Findings

While the presence of Ae. atropalpus in the European continent is still debated, Ae. triseriatus is no longer present in the European continent, but accidental introductions have been recently reported. Nevertheless, the climatic changes and global market increase the possibility of introduction of North American Aedes species in Europe.

Summary

The present article contains a brief overview of the biology, ecology, and vector competence of these two mosquito vectors, outlining their potential to invade new areas and medical importance. We highlighted some bioecological traits that need to be considered to design surveillance programs tailored for these species. Lastly, research challenges aimed to improve basic knowledge and control programs targeting these species are presented.