| Abstrakt: |
In temperate regions of the United States, female Anophelesmosquitoes respond to low temperatures and short photoperiods by entering an overwintering dormancy or diapause. Diapause in Anophelesresults 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 Anophelesin central Ohio, United States and evaluate egg follicle length as an indicator of Anophelesdiapause. We used traditional mosquito traps and aspirators to collect Anophelesfrom urban woodlots and culverts, respectively, from late September 2021 through mid-May 2022 in central Ohio. By measuring their egg follicle length, reproductive status, and blood-feeding status, we found that egg follicle length is not a reliable indicator of Anophelesdiapause. We also found that a small proportion of An. punctipennis(Say), An. perplexens(Ludlow), and An. quadrimaculatus(Say) continued to bite and reproduce into early November 2021 and that females of these species terminated reproductive dormancy and began biting by mid-March 2022. This period of reproductive activity extends beyond current mosquito surveillance and control in Ohio. Our findings suggest that within temperate regions of North America, Anopheleshave the capacity to transmit pathogens throughout the spring, summer, and fall. |
