Urban ecology and evolution of the tiger mosquito

The mass migration of people from small towns and rural areas into urban areas was one the most profound changes to the global landscape. As the planet becomes increasingly urbanized, it is imperative that we understand the ecological and evolutionary consequences of urbanization on species. Urban habitat has long been viewed as inferior to “undisturbed” and “natural” habitat for wild flora and fauna and is often associated with local extirpation of species or declines in species richness and biodiversity. Compared to their rural counterparts, urban areas have higher temperatures, altered or novel species interactions, higher numbers of exotic and invasive species, and increased chemical, noise, waste, and light pollution. The abundant refuse associated with humans (e.g. food waste and water holding containers), however, has created novel resources leading to some species adapting to, and thriving in, the human-dominated landscape. Importantly, many of these species capitalizing on the refuse are considered pests or are vectors of human and domestic animal disease.

Our group has been studying the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) through the lens of urban ecology and evolution. A. albopictus is considered one the 100 most invasive species on the planet and is an important vector of viruses such as dengue and chikungunya. Throughout its global range, this species occupies different ecological niches and has been described as an urban vector, a more suburban or rural vector, or a forest edge species depending on local conditions.

In the Saint Louis region, we have shown that this species is dominant urban and suburban habitats, but has comparatively lower abundance and a delayed phenology in rural and sylvan areas. Ongoing work with our group is exploring the ecological reasons behind these differences.

Current projects are investigating two important aspects of the urban environment on this species; light and noise pollution. Specifically, we are investigating the impacts of artificial light at night on the incidence and evolution the diapause trait, a trait critical for winter survival at temperate latitudes, and the effects of urban noise pollution on wing variation and mating success.