Failure of Aedes albopictus to Overwinter Following Introduction and Seasonal Establishment at a Tire Recycling Plant in the Northeastern USA

Abstract

In July 2006, an introduction of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, was documented for the first time at a commercial tire recycling plant in northeastern Connecticut, USA. The introduction likely occurred via transport of infested tires originating from northern New Jersey or metropolitan New York City. Efforts were made to determine seasonal establishment and overwintering success by assessing adult biting and oviposition activity in the surrounding woodlands. The first adult female was collected in a CO2-baited Mosquito Magnet Liberty trap within the confines of the tire plant during the week of July 28. Additional females were collected intermittently thereafter through October 16. Host-seeking female Ae. albopictus attempting to alight on human subjects and larvae hatching from eggs collected in ovitraps placed in the woodlands surrounding the tire plant were detected weekly from August 21 through October 2, denoting seasonal establishment in the adjoining woodlands. However, no larvae of Ae. albopictus were recovered from eggs collected in ovitraps that were placed in the surrounding woodlands or in traps placed 1.0-1.6 km away, nor were any host-seeking females detected by human subjects the following season (July to October 2007), indicating that the species did not survive winter conditions to enable successful colonization. The failure of Ae. albopictus to overwinter and establish itself in the forested woodlands following several weeks of seasonal breeding and oviposition during the summer and early fall were most likely due to winter egg mortality, interspecific competition from Aedes triseriatus and Aedes japonicus, and/or other ecological barriers. Permanent establishment of Ae. albopictus in New England is unlikely despite the recurring importation of infested used tires into recycling facilities. However, continued monitoring of such facilities for potential reinvasion is warranted especially in urban/suburban environs where global warming and milder winter temperatures may provide more suitable conditions in the future for colonization.

Blood Feeding Position Increases Success of Recalcitrant Mosquitoes

“…Now residing in 866 counties in 26 states, Ae. albopictus has been dubbed the most invasive mosquito in the world (Andreadis 2009). This invasiveness is closely related to the decline and displacement of Ae.…”

“…albopictus is a competent laboratory vector for at least 22 arboviruses (Andreadis 2009), many of which are emerging and re-emerging global health concerns (Moore andMitchell 1997, Delatte et al 2010). Vector competence for Dengue, Yellow Fever, Rift Valley fever, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis viruses has been demonstrated (Moore and Mitchell 1997).…”

Recent and projected future climatic suitability of North America for the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus

“…albopictus populations failed to become established at least in part due to failure to overwinter [49]. At the northern edge of the geographic range of Ae.…”

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

“…However, the most comprehensive distribution map is drawn by county (Moore 1999, and Map: Distribution of Aedes albopictus in the United States, by County, 2000; http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/ albopic_97_sm.htm). An up-dated map for the northeast region is also drawn by county (Andreadis 2009). We included county-level positive or negative distribution information into the analysis with county seats.…”

“…However, annual ßuctuations in temperature may be large enough to inßuence establishment risks around northern limits, especially through variation in overwintering survival (Hawley et al 1989, Hanson 1995, Hanson and Craig 1995a, Andreadis 2009). Analyses of yearly variations and historical trends in TSI, WI, and CI around northern limits could lead to better understanding of possible effects of global climate change on the distribution of Ae.…”