Analyses of the Northern Distributional Limit of <I>Aedes albopictus</I> (Diptera: Culicidae) With a Simple Thermal Index

Abstract

Worldwide invasion of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) has become a serious concern in vector control. In temperate regions, an important goal has been to predict northern range limits after new introductions or global climate change. We propose a simple thermal suitability index (TSI) that can be calculated from monthly mean temperatures and may predict the northern distributional limits of Ae. albopictus. Analyses of known distributions revealed that TSI yields a common criterion (TSI = 1) below which establishment is thermally prohibited throughout the northern hemisphere. However, temperature conditions around northern limits differ among regions, depending on thermal continentality (the degree of seasonal temperature variation). Thermal continentality is high on the Asian Continent, intermediate in North America and Japan, and low (i.e., oceanic) in Europe. On the Asian Continent, there may be maximal winter coldness above which establishment is prohibited irrespective of summer reproduction. In Europe, establishment is possible under summer warmth lower than in other regions but there may be minimal summer warmth below which establishment is difficult despite high winter survival during mild winters. Among the thermal indices that have been commonly used as establishment criteria, the annual mean temperature of 10 degrees C proved to be a common criterion irrespective of thermal continentality, whereas coldest month means and warmth during the reproductive season (often expressed as accumulated degree-days above 11 degrees C) are strongly influenced by thermal continentality. Although annual mean temperatures can be a practical criterion, TSI was more informative in evaluating thermal suitability for this species.

Insecticide Resistance Status of United States Populations of Aedes albopictus and Mechanisms Involved

“…Aedes albopictus is a container-inhabiting mosquito strongly associated with human habitats (especially outside its native range) and capable of ovipositing diapause-destined eggs that survive even in cold northern latitudes in parts of its native ( e.g ., northern Japan, China) and introduced ( e.g ., Europe and northeastern USA) ranges [12]. The first line of control against Ae.…”

Truck‐mounted area‐wide applications of larvicides and adulticides for extended suppression of adult Aedes albopictus

“…This mosquito species is now of concern because of the recent spread of the Zika virus on the American continent. Aedes albopictus is a container‐inhabiting mosquito, strongly associated with humans, that lays diapausing eggs capable of surviving the winter in cold northern latitudes . Historically, both worldwide and in the USA, most mosquito abatement efforts to control Ae .…”

“…Aedes albopictus is a container-inhabiting mosquito, strongly associated with humans, that lays diapausing eggs capable of surviving the winter in cold northern latitudes. 7 Historically, both worldwide and in the USA, most mosquito abatement efforts to control Ae. albopictus have focused on the drainage or removal of containers in yards (source reduction) to kill larvae and reduce immature production.…”

Seasonal Synchronization of Diapause Phases in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

“…The Asian tiger mosquito shows a remarkable ecological and physiological plasticity [ 7 ]. The environmental parameters of importance to define this species suitable habitat have been identified [ 17 , 18 , 19 ] as well as the epidemiological hazard [ 20 ]. In temperate areas, winter temperature is the major factor limiting the persistence of A .…”