A recent study published in Global Ecology and Biogeography has shed light on the flexible feeding patterns of mosquitoes, which could significantly impact how mosquito-driven disease transmission is tracked and predicted amid climate change. The research, led by Dr. Konstans Wells from Swansea University, involved a meta-analysis of over 15,600 mosquito blood-meal records utilizing broad-spectrum molecular methods.
Dr. Wells noted that while female mosquitoes are known to have innate preferences for certain hosts, their actual feeding behavior varies greatly across different regions. "This plasticity means that environmental factors such as temperature and livestock density can influence which species mosquitoes feed on – adding complexity to how we predict the spread of mosquito-borne diseases," he explained.
The study found Culex mosquitoes to have the widest host range, feeding on between 179 and 321 different species. In contrast, Aedes mosquitoes fed on 26 to 65 species, while Anopheles species had narrower ranges of 7 to 29 host species.
An undergraduate dissertation project by Meshach Lee inspired part of this research. His early analysis indicated regional differences in mosquito feeding habits on humans versus wildlife and livestock. Lee stated: "The diversity and variation in niche breadth was striking. What we’ve shown is that when robust molecular tools are used in a meta-analysis, we can get a much clearer and more nuanced picture of mosquito behaviour."
Despite these findings, predicting mosquito feeding behavior remains challenging. Dr. Wells emphasized the need for better standardization in blood-meal studies: "Consistent molecular methods and clearer environmental data will go a long way in improving our understanding of how mosquitoes take their blood meals from different host species."
The research team also included Dr. Tamsyn Uren Webster from Swansea University, Dr. Richard O'Rorke from Waipapa Taumata Rau - The University of Auckland, and Dr. Nicholas Clark from the University of Queensland.
This study marks the first major investigation into mosquito diets using new DNA methods, highlighting the complex relationship between disease-spreading insects and their hosts amidst climate change challenges.
The authors hope their findings will inform global health strategies and enhance targeted mosquito surveillance efforts as part of addressing concerns under the UN Sustainable Development Goal for good health and well-being.