Description
Understanding mosquito biology and behavior is essential for developing effective strategies to control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika.
One focus of this research is mosquito mating behavior, a critical yet poorly understood factor in population dynamics. Since female mosquitoes mate only once in their lifetime, this single event determines their fertility and the success of vector control strategies such as gene drive and the sterile insect technique (SIT). Many mosquito species, including Anopheles gambiae, form large mating swarms, but little is known about how these swarms form, how females select mates, or how mosquitoes ensure species-specific reproduction. By using large-cage systems that replicate natural swarming conditions and advanced 3D imaging techniques, we aim to decode these complex mating interactions and uncover the role of mosquito hearing in courtship and swarm formation.
By uncovering the mechanics of mosquito swarming and courtship, this research will provide essential insights to improve the safety and effectiveness of mosquito population control strategies. These findings will contribute to the development of targeted interventions that can reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, ultimately supporting global public health efforts.
One focus of this research is mosquito mating behavior, a critical yet poorly understood factor in population dynamics. Since female mosquitoes mate only once in their lifetime, this single event determines their fertility and the success of vector control strategies such as gene drive and the sterile insect technique (SIT). Many mosquito species, including Anopheles gambiae, form large mating swarms, but little is known about how these swarms form, how females select mates, or how mosquitoes ensure species-specific reproduction. By using large-cage systems that replicate natural swarming conditions and advanced 3D imaging techniques, we aim to decode these complex mating interactions and uncover the role of mosquito hearing in courtship and swarm formation.
By uncovering the mechanics of mosquito swarming and courtship, this research will provide essential insights to improve the safety and effectiveness of mosquito population control strategies. These findings will contribute to the development of targeted interventions that can reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, ultimately supporting global public health efforts.
Video: Trajectories of two mosquitoes flying in pair formation within the swarm.
(Taken from Cavagna A. et al. 2023, Sci Rep)
(Taken from Cavagna A. et al. 2023, Sci Rep)
Collaborators
External:
Sapienza Università di Roma - Stefania Melillo & Leonardo Parisi
Università degli Studi di Parma - Laura Kramer
Agenzia Nazionale per le nuove technologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile (ENEA) - Maurizio Calvitti
Genomix4Life s.r.l. - Giovanna Marchese
Sapienza Università di Roma - Stefania Melillo & Leonardo Parisi
Università degli Studi di Parma - Laura Kramer
Agenzia Nazionale per le nuove technologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile (ENEA) - Maurizio Calvitti
Genomix4Life s.r.l. - Giovanna Marchese
Related publications
Characterization of lab-based swarms of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes using 3D-video tracking
Andrea Cavagna, Irene Giardina, Michela Anna Gucciardino, Gloria Iacomelli, Max Lombardi, Stefania Melillo, Giulia Monacchia, Leonardo Parisi, Matthew J. Peirce, Roberta Spaccapelo
Scientific Reports, vol. 13, 2023 May, p. 8745
Funding
Bando PRIN 2022
MoSwarm - Demystifying mosquito sex: unraveling MOsquito SWARMs with lab-based 3D video tracking
INF-ACT Foundation
SYMPATHRY - Decrypting the symbionts-vectors-pathogens trilogy: new efficient tools for monitoring and control
MoSwarm - Demystifying mosquito sex: unraveling MOsquito SWARMs with lab-based 3D video tracking
INF-ACT Foundation
SYMPATHRY - Decrypting the symbionts-vectors-pathogens trilogy: new efficient tools for monitoring and control