Geospatial analysis of invasion of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus: competition with Aedes japonicus japonicus in its northern limit area in Japan

Abstract

Abstract. The mosquito Aedes albopictus, indigenous to Southeast Asia and nearby islands, has spread almost worldwide during recent decades. We confirm the invasion of this mosquito, first reported in Yamagata city in northeast Honshu, Japan in 2000. Previously, only Ae. japonicus japonicus had been collected in this place, but 2 years later, the population of Ae. albopictus had increased, so more than 80% of the total number of larval colonies there consisted of this species. In contrast to Yamagata's new residential area, now infested by Ae. albopictus, the original mosquito remains in the city but its habitats are generally closer to the surrounding mountains, where the normalized difference vegetation index is higher. The factors affecting the distribution of both species in Yamagata city were studied using geographical information systems (GIS) based on data derived from field surveys, aerial photographs, satellite images and digital maps. The range of Aedes mosquito habitats was estimated and visualised on polygon maps and no significant differences were noted when the polygon area was calculated by GIS software in comparison with the satellite images. Although Ae. j. japonicus was expected to be rapidly overrun by Ae. albopictus, this did not happen. Currently, both species coexist; not only in separate sites, but also simultaneously in various water bodies, where larvae from both species have frequently been seen. However, the competitive relationship between these two Aedes species within a warming environment is an issue that should be closely monitored.

The global distribution of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus

“…albopictus is highly dependent on temperature and water availability ( Luz et al, 2008 ). EVI measures vegetation canopy greenness and can be used as a proxy for soil surface-level moisture that are associated with the availability of mosquito larval development sites ( Estallo et al, 2008 ; Nihei et al, 2014 ). Eggs and adults require moisture to survive, with low dry season moisture levels affecting adult mortality ( Sota and Mogi, 1992 ; Russell et al, 2001 ).…”

Autochthonous Dengue Fever, Tokyo, Japan, 2014

“…Ae. albopictus mosquitoes are also expanding into the northern regions of the main island because of global warming ( 10 ). Tokyo is one of the most heavily populated cities in the world, and Yoyogi Park is located at the center of the Shinjuku-Shibuya area in Tokyo.…”

Ecoepidemiology of Alphaviruses and Flaviviruses

“…The greenery index of vegetation canopy can be used as a substitute to indirectly know soil moisture at the surface level. The coverings of vegetation near ground level have been used to associate them with the larval development capacity in these sites (Estallo et al, 2008;Nihei et al, 2014). Eggs and adults require moisture to survive in the dry season; drought levels affect adult mortality (Sota and Mogi, 1992;Russell et al, 2001).…”