Publication detail

Sexual chemoecology of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae): Current knowledge and implications for vector control programs

POMPEIANO VANÍČKOVÁ, L. CANALE, A. BENELLI, G.

Original Title

Sexual chemoecology of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae): Current knowledge and implications for vector control programs

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) act as vectors of medical and veterinary importance, due to their ability to transmit many pathogens and parasites. Renewed interest has been recently devoted to the potential of sterile insect technique (SIT) for mosquito suppression. However, the success of the SIT is mostly dependent on the ability of sterile males to compete for mates with the wild ones in the field. Nevertheless, little is known on the sexual chemical ecology of mosquitoes, with special reference to the role of chemical signals in males. We reviewed the current knowledge on mosquito sexual chemical ecology and other key cues affecting courtship and mating behavior. The information available on the aggregation and sex pheromones in mosquito males is rather limited. To the best of our knowledge, the components of the aggregation pheromone stimulating swarming mechanisms have been fully characterized only for Aedes aegypti, while evidence for aggregation pheromones in other mosquito species remains elusive. Further research on this issue is needed, as well as to dissect the relative importance of visual (with special reference to swarming landmarks), vibrational, olfactory and tactile cues perceived during swarming and mate. On the other hand, more knowledge is available for cuticular hydrocarbons, which modulate mating behavior in several species of economic importance. These compounds, coupled with volatile aggregation components, have potential interest for the development of monitoring and trapping systems. In addition, the analyses of cuticular hydrocarbons are essential for discrimination between closely related mosquito species and/or populations.

Keywords

Aggregation pheromones; Courtship and mating; Cuticular hydrocarbons; Mate recognition; Mosquito-borne diseases; Sterile insect technique; Swarming behavior

Authors

POMPEIANO VANÍČKOVÁ, L.; CANALE, A.; BENELLI, G.

Released

1. 4. 2017

ISBN

1383-5769

Periodical

PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

Year of study

66

Number

2

State

Japan

Pages from

190

Pages to

195

Pages count

6

BibTex

@article{BUT136212,
  author="POMPEIANO VANÍČKOVÁ, L. and CANALE, A. and BENELLI, G.",
  title="Sexual chemoecology of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae): Current knowledge and implications for vector control programs",
  journal="PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL",
  year="2017",
  volume="66",
  number="2",
  pages="190--195",
  doi="10.1016/j.parint.2016.09.010",
  issn="1383-5769"
}