Mosquito community composition in two major stopover aquatic ecosystems used by migratory birds in northern Spain

Abstract

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are common bloodsucking Diptera frequently found in aquatic environments, which are valuable ecosystems for many animal species, particularly migrating birds. Therefore, interactions between these animal species and mosquitoes may play a critical role in pathogen transmission. During 2018–2019, mosquitoes were collected from two aquatic ecosystems in northern Spain using different methodologies and identified using classical morphology and molecular tools. A total of 1529 males and females of 22 native mosquito species (including eight new records for the region) were trapped using CO2‐baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traps and sweep netting. Among the blood‐fed female mosquitoes, 11 vertebrate host species—six mammals and five birds—were identified using DNA barcoding. The developmental sites of eight mosquito species were determined across nine microhabitats, and 11 mosquito species were caught landing on humans. The flight period varied among mosquito species, with some peaking in the spring and others in the summer. Our study highlights the advantages of mosquito sampling using various techniques to comprehensively characterise species composition and abundance. Information on the trophic preferences, biting behaviour and influence of climatic variables on the ecology of mosquitoes is also provided.

Species Composition and Population Dynamics of Culicidae during their Peak Abundance Period in Three Peri-Urban Aquatic Ecosystems in Northern Spain

“…The same flight range for Ae. detritus has been noted in northern Spain [18]. In the marshy areas typical of the Valencian Community, after prolonged periods of rainfall, there are waterlogged soils with salinity conditions that greatly favour the hatching of larvae of both species, although with a predominance of Ae.…”

“…The genera Anopheles and Coquillettidia dominated in La Grajera due to its stable water level during the summer season. Coquillettidia richiardii is also a dominant species in other wetlands of northern Spain [18]. In contrast, Aedes was the predominant species in Las Cañas due to its high-water fluctuation, which results in a considerable drop in water levels during summer.…”

“…In contrast, Aedes was the predominant species in Las Cañas due to its high-water fluctuation, which results in a considerable drop in water levels during summer. Aedes species like Aedes rusticus (Rossi, 1790) are also dominant in other wetlands in northern Spain [18]. The most abundant genus, Culex, was found to be well represented in the two reservoirs, despite being dominant only in the Iregua River.…”

“…Anopheles claviger s.l. has also been observed as a multivoltine species in northern Spain [18]. Schaffner et al [31] described An.…”

“…Specifically, since 2016, when a vector surveillance programme (mainly focused on culicids) was implemented in La Rioja region, 25 species have been identified [14][15][16]. However, these studies have not delved into seasonal population dynamics, which are essential to better understand mosquito-borne disease transmission cycles, identify sources of infection, and successfully control these vectors [17,18].…”