Where vectors collide: the importance of mechanisms shaping the realized niche for modeling ranges of invasive Aedes mosquitoes

Abstract

The vector mosquitoes (L.), native to Africa, and (Skuse), native to Asia, are widespread invasives whose spatial distributions frequently overlap. Predictive models of their distributions are typically correlative rather than mechanistic, and based on only abiotic variables describing putative environmental requirements despite extensive evidence of competitive interactions leading to displacements. Here we review putative roles of competition contributing to distribution changes where the two species meet. The strongest evidence for competitive displacements comes from multiple examples of habitat segregation where the two species co-occur and massive reductions in the range and abundance of attributable to invasions in the southeastern U.S.A. and Bermuda (U.K). We summarize evidence to support the primacy of asymmetric reproductive interference, or satyrization, and larval resource competition, both favoring , as displacement mechanisms. Where evidence of satyrization or interspecific resource competition is weak, differences in local environments or alternative ecologies or behaviors of these spp. may explain local variation in the outcomes of invasions. Predictive distribution modeling for both these major disease vectors needs to incorporate species interactions between them as an important process that is likely to limit their realized niches and future distributions. Experimental tests of satyrization and resource competition are needed across the broad ranges of these species, as are models that incorporate both reproductive interference and resource competition to evaluate interaction strengths and mechanisms. These vectors exemplify how fundamental principles of community ecology may influence distributions of invasive species.

The impact of biological invasion and genomic local adaptation on the geographical distribution of Aedes aegypti in Panama

“…aegypti are more tolerant to higher temperatures and desiccation in comparison to the eggs of Ae. albopictus, which are able to survive lower temperatures through diapause (18,67). In support of these findings, we find that Ae.…”

“…albopictus has displaced resident Ae. aegypti (14,17), but the factors that facilitate co-occurrence are still unclear (18). Aedes albopictus was first documented in Panama in 2002, providing the opportunity to study how the interactions between the two species play out across a heterogeneous landscape.…”

The ecological and epidemiological consequences of reproductive interference between the vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus

“…aegypti and Ae. albopictus (Lounibos and Juliano, 2018), leading to the species coming into contact as they establish in new regions. They share a similar ecological niche, with females laying eggs in small (often ephemeral) pools of water which hatch into a mobile larval stage.…”

“…albopictus rapidly displaced Ae. aegypi from all but urban areas in the Southern United States (O’Meara et al, 1995; Lounibos and Juliano, 2018). Both Braks et al (2004) and Simard et al (2005) document co-occurrence in Brazil and Cameroon respectively, albeit in segregated habitats.…”

“…albopictus for suburban areas with more vegetation. It is widely accepted that these species compete in the wild, leading to different patterns of coexistence and competitive exclusion (Lounibos and Juliano, 2018).…”