Computational and experimental insights into the chemosensory navigation of Aedes aegyptimosquito larvae
Abstract
Mosquitoes are prolific disease vectors that affect public health around the world. Although many studies have investigated search strategies used by host-seeking adult mosquitoes, little is known about larval search behaviour. Larval behaviour affects adult body size and fecundity, and thus the capacity of individual mosquitoes to find hosts and transmit disease. Understanding vector survival at all life stages is crucial for improving disease control. In this study, we use experimental and computational methods to investigate the chemical ecology and search behaviour ofAedes aegyptimosquito larvae. We first show that larvae do not respond to several olfactory cues used by adultAe. aegyptito assess larval habitat quality, but perceive microbial RNA as a potent foraging attractant. Second, we demonstrate thatAe. aegyptilarvae use chemokinesis, an unusual search strategy, to navigate chemical gradients. Finally, we use computational modelling to demonstrate that larvae respond to starvation pressure by optimizing exploration behaviour—possibly critical for exploiting limited larval habitat types. Our results identify key characteristics of foraging behaviour in an important disease vector mosquito. In addition to implications for better understanding and control of disease vectors, this work establishes mosquito larvae as a tractable model for chemosensory behaviour and navigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 20, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1098/rspb.2019.1495
Entities
People
- Eleanor K. Lutz
- Jeffrey A. Riffell
- Tjinder S. Grewal
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
- National Science Foundation Directorate for Biological Sciences
- University of Washington