Adaptation to climate

The tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, made the top 100 list of globally invasive species. This species has spread across much of the globe in the last 35 years and due to its ability to vector over 20 known viruses, its invasion has been well studied. Interestingly, in parts of its invaded range, the tiger has spread beyond its climatic niche based on its native range. Tyson Research Center director, Dr. Kim Medley, and I showed that this species has adapted to winters further north in the US than we would have predicted based on its native range; evidence of rapid evolution along an invasion front.

Cold winters are not the only harsh climactic factors that this species contends with. It is also susceptible to high temperatures, low humidity, and summer drought leading to desiccation and death. We are currently investigating if there are population differences in this mosquito’s ability to withstand hot and drier conditions.