Mosquito Behavioral Mechanisms and Their Implications on Vector Control Interventions and Resistance Evolution Open Access
Jimenez-Vallejo, David Camilo (Spring 2026)
Abstract
A deep understanding of mosquito behavior, particularly at the population level, is important for maximizing the efficacy and longevity of vector control strategies such as Targeted Indoor Residual Spraying (TIRS). Though it is known that Aedes aegypti has a pronounced preference for heights closest to the ground, the genetic, environmental, and ecological factors contributing to this preference and its variability across populations and geographical regions remain unclear. While the impact of microclimate, color attraction, and activity patterns has been documented to drive Ae. aegypti behavior, few studies have assessed the combined effect of these factors in driving behavioral preferences under natural conditions. In addition, in the recent past, the opportunity to assess if targeted selective forces such as TIRS spraying can select for behavioral resistance has not presented itself. Moreover, how different environmental and ecological contexts modulate the rate of such adaptation is also unknown.
To address gaps relevant for understanding the mechanistic basis underlying Ae. aegypti flight and resting behavior, as well as the potential of behavioral adaptations against TIRS, I 1) characterized innate behavioral preferences under semi-field conditions using high-resolution stereoscopic flight tracking with concurrent assessment of genetic, visual and microclimatic factors, 2) evaluated resting preferences across TIRS-treated and untreated households in Merida, Mexico, after three years of sustained TIRS exposure, and 3) conducted a comprehensive, high resolution behavioral assessment of F1 progeny from populations exposed to four consecutive years of TIRS to detect potential behavioral divergence and establish a framework for proactive behavioral resistance surveillance.
Chapter 2 examines endogenous and exogenous factors driving flight and resting height preferences by comparing a laboratory (Rockefeller) to a wild-type Merida strain under semi-field conditions. Interestingly, both strains preferred to fly near the ground (~50 cm), but only wild-type mosquitoes rest at lower heights. Reciprocal crosses show hybrid progeny resemble wild-type parent resting, suggesting heritability and genetic underpinnings for the behavior. Despite vertical microclimatic gradients, both strains prioritized dark-color over microclimate.
Chapter 3 demonstrates that three years of TIRS exposure have not shifted Ae. aegypti resting preferences in the field. Height-stratified collections across treated and untreated households, show mosquitoes maintain low-heights preferences regardless of sex, fed status, or collection timing. Despite TIRS significantly reducing abundance, resting behavior remained unchanged.
In Chapter 4, behavior of F1 progeny from populations exposed to a fourth year of TIRS was assessed. Using the semi-field factorial approach established in Chapter 2, this chapter reveals TIRS mosquitoes exhibit lower flight heights, but resting and visual responses remain unchanged. Flight mechanics are conserved except for minor path complexity increases suggesting Ae. aegypti in Merida either lack the adaptive capacity for behavioral resistance or other resistance mechanisms are favored.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Resting Behavior as a Target for Innovative Mosquito Control Strategies....1
Chapter 2: Drivers of Aedes aegypti free-flight and resting behavior indoors...31
Chapter 3: Mosquito resting preferences persist under sustained targeted indoor residual spraying in Merida, Mexico...80
Chapter 4: Progeny of Aedes aegypti exhibit unexpected alterations in height preferences and aerial dynamics after sustained exposure to targeted insecticides in Merida, Mexico...102
Chapter 5: General Discussion...124
References...158
About this Dissertation
| School | |
|---|---|
| Department | |
| Subfield / Discipline | |
| Degree | |
| Submission | |
| Language |
|
| Research Field | |
| Keyword | |
| Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor | |
| Committee Members |
Primary PDF
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Mosquito Behavioral Mechanisms and Their Implications on Vector Control Interventions and Resistance Evolution () | 2026-04-09 13:25:28 -0400 |
|
Supplemental Files
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|