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Stuart JD, Hartman DA, Gray LI, Jones AA, Wickenkamp NR, Hirt C, Safira A, Regas AR, Kondash TM, Yates ML, Driga S, Snow CD, Kading RC. Mosquito tagging using DNA-barcoded nanoporous protein microcrystals. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac190. [PMID: 36714845 PMCID: PMC9802479 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Conventional mosquito marking technology for mark-release-recapture (MRR) is quite limited in terms of information capacity and efficacy. To overcome both challenges, we have engineered, lab-tested, and field-evaluated a new class of marker particles, in which synthetic, short DNA oligonucleotides (DNA barcodes) are adsorbed and protected within tough, crosslinked porous protein microcrystals. Mosquitoes self-mark through ingestion of microcrystals in their larval habitat. Barcoded microcrystals persist trans-stadially through mosquito development if ingested by larvae, do not significantly affect adult mosquito survivorship, and individual barcoded mosquitoes are detectable in pools of up to at least 20 mosquitoes. We have also demonstrated crystal persistence following adult mosquito ingestion. Barcode sequences can be recovered by qPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) without detectable amplification of native mosquito DNA. These DNA-laden protein microcrystals have the potential to radically increase the amount of information obtained from future MRR studies compared to previous studies employing conventional mosquito marking materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lyndsey I Gray
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Alec A Jones
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Natalie R Wickenkamp
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | | | - Aya Safira
- Present address: Just-Evotec Biologics, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - April R Regas
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Therese M Kondash
- Department of Environmental Health and Radiological Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA,H3 Environmental, Albuquerque, NM 87109 (current)
| | - Margaret L Yates
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Sergei Driga
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
| | - Christopher D Snow
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA,School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
| | - Rebekah C Kading
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: 176 CVID, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. Tel: (970) 491-7833;
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Kumano N, Tsurui-Sato K, Teruya K, Toyosato T. Female Marking via Rubidium-Labeled Ejaculates in the West Indian Sweetpotato Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 114:1411-1414. [PMID: 33769520 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The West Indian sweetpotato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire), is one of the pests of the sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas, in tropical and subtropical countries. Although an eradication program using the sterile insect technique (SIT) for this weevil is now underway in Japan, the lack of potent attractants such as sex pheromones for this weevil species prevents effective monitoring and hampers pest control operations. New methods to monitor the performance of sterile males using trapped wild females are needed. In this study, we tested whether the ejaculate of the labeled males that were fed an artificial diet labeled with the trace element, rubidium (Rb), is detectable in the fertilized females. We fed an artificial diet treated with Rb (1.00, 0.50, 0.25, and 0.00%) to adult male weevils for 14 d after emerging and quantified the rubidium content in inseminated females. We also examined the side effects of the artificial diet on mating performance and longevity. The advantages of monitoring the spatial level of sterility using data from females labeled with ejaculate of Rb-fed males in an SIT eradication program are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikuni Kumano
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Department of Agro-environmental Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
- Special insect Team, Okinawa Prefectural Plant Protection Center, Naha, Japan
- Special Insect Team, Ryukyu-Sankei Co. Ltd, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0242, Japan
| | - Kaori Tsurui-Sato
- Special insect Team, Okinawa Prefectural Plant Protection Center, Naha, Japan
- Special Insect Team, Ryukyu-Sankei Co. Ltd, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0242, Japan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Graduate School of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Sembaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Teruya
- Special insect Team, Okinawa Prefectural Plant Protection Center, Naha, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Toyosato
- Special insect Team, Okinawa Prefectural Plant Protection Center, Naha, Japan
- Special Insect Team, Ryukyu-Sankei Co. Ltd, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0242, Japan
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Aviles EI, Rotenberry RD, Collins CM, Dotson EM, Benedict MQ. Fluorescent markers rhodamine B and uranine for Anopheles gambiae adults and matings. Malar J 2020; 19:236. [PMID: 32631340 PMCID: PMC7336461 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Marking mosquitoes is vital for mark-release-recapture and many laboratory studies, but their small size precludes the use of methods that are available for larger animals such as unique identifier tags and radio devices. Fluorescent dust is the most commonly used method to distinguish released individuals from the wild population. Numerous colours and combinations can be used, however, dust sometimes affects longevity and behaviour so alternatives that do not have these effects would contribute substantially. Rhodamine B has previously been demonstrated to be useful for marking adult Aedes aegypti males when added to the sugar meal. Unlike dust, this also marked the seminal fluid making it possible to detect matings by marked males in the spermatheca of females. Here, marking of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto with rhodamine B and uranine was performed to estimate their potential contribution. Methods Two fluorescent markers, rhodamine B and uranine, were dissolved in sugar water and fed to adult An. gambiae. Concentrations that are useful for marking individuals and seminal fluid were determined. The effects on adult longevity, the durability of the marking and detection of the marker in mated females was determined. Male mating competitiveness was also evaluated. Results Rhodamine B marking in adults is detectable for at least 3 weeks, however uranine marking declines with time and at low doses can be confused with auto-fluorescence. Both can be used for marking seminal fluid which can be detected in females mated by marked males, but, again, at low concentrations uranine-marking is more easily confused with the natural fluorescence of seminal fluid. Neither dye affected mating competitiveness. Conclusions Both markers tested could be useful for field and laboratory studies. Their use has substantial potential to contribute to a greater understanding of the bio-ecology of this important malaria vector. Rhodamine B has the advantage that it appears to be permanent and is less easily confused with auto-fluorescence. The primary limitation of both methods is that sugar feeding is necessary for marking and adults must be held for at least 2 nights to ensure all individuals are marked whereas dusts provide immediate and thorough marking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica I Aviles
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Rachel D Rotenberry
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - C Mathilda Collins
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, 16-18 Princes Gardens, London, SW7 1NE, UK
| | - Ellen M Dotson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Mark Q Benedict
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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Culbert NJ, Kaiser M, Venter N, Vreysen MJB, Gilles JRL, Bouyer J. A standardised method of marking male mosquitoes with fluorescent dust. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:192. [PMID: 32293537 PMCID: PMC7158013 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prior to a major release campaign of sterile insects, including the sterile insect technique, male mosquitoes must be marked and released (small scale) to determine key parameters including wild population abundance, dispersal and survival. Marking insects has been routinely carried out for over 100 years; however, there is no gold standard regarding the marking of specific disease-transmitting mosquitoes including Anopheles arabiensis, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The research presented offers a novel dusting technique and optimal dust colour and quantities, suitable for small-scale releases, such as mark-release-recapture studies. Methods We sought to establish a suitable dust colour and quantity for batches of 100 male An. arabiensis, that was visible both by eye and under UV light, long-lasting and did not negatively impact longevity. A set of lower dust weights were selected to conduct longevity experiments with both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to underpin the optimal dust weight. A further study assessed the potential of marked male An. arabiensis to transfer their mark to undusted males and females. Results The longevity of male An. arabiensis marked with various dust colours was not significantly reduced when compared to unmarked controls. Furthermore, the chosen dust quantity (5 mg) did not negatively impact longevity (P = 0.717) and provided a long-lasting mark. Dust transfer was found to occur from marked An. arabiensis males to unmarked males and females when left in close proximity. However, this was only noticeable when examining individuals under a stereomicroscope and thus deemed negligible. Overall, male Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus displayed a greater sensitivity to dusting. Only the lowest dust weight (0.5 mg) did not significantly reduce longevity (P = 0.888) in Ae. aegypti, whilst the lowest two dust weights (0.5 and 0.75 mg) had no significant impact on longevity (P = 0.951 and 0.166, respectively) in Ae. albopictus. Conclusion We have devised a fast, inexpensive and simple marking method and provided recommended dust quantities for several major species of disease-causing mosquitoes. The novel technique provides an evenly distributed, long-lasting mark which is non-detrimental. Our results will be useful for future MRR studies, prior to a major release campaign.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Culbert
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria. .,Institute of Integrative Biology & The Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
| | - Maria Kaiser
- Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nelius Venter
- Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Marc J B Vreysen
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeremie R L Gilles
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria.,CIRAD, UMR ASTRE CIRAD-INRA, Animals, Health, Territories, Risks and Ecosystems, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier, France
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Marcantonio M, Winokur OC, Barker CM. Revisiting Alkali Metals As a Tool to Characterize Patterns of Mosquito Dispersal and Oviposition. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10080220. [PMID: 31344901 PMCID: PMC6723755 DOI: 10.3390/insects10080220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mark-recapture methods constitute a set of classical ecological tools that are used to collect information on species dispersal and population size. These methods have advanced knowledge in disparate scientific fields, from conservation biology to pest control. Gathering information on the dispersal of mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti, has become critical since the recognition of their role as vectors of pathogens. Here, we evaluate a method to mark mosquitoes that exploits the rare alkali metals rubidium (Rb) and caesium (Cs), which have been used previously to mark adult insects through feeding. We revised this method by adding Rb and Cs directly to water in which the immature stages of Ae. aegypti were allowed to develop. We then assessed the effect of Rb- and Cs-enriched water on fitness, survival and bioaccumulation in both adult females and their eggs. Results indicated that Cs had adverse effects on Ae. aegypti, even at low concentrations, whereas Rb at low concentrations had no measured effects on exposed individuals and accumulated at detectable levels in adult females. The method described here relies on passive uptake of Rb during immature stages, which has the benefit of avoiding handling or manipulation of the dispersive adults, which enables purer measurement of movement. Moreover, we demonstrated that Rb was transferred efficiently from the marked females to their eggs. To our knowledge, Rb is the only marker used for mosquitoes that has been shown to transfer vertically from females to eggs. The application of Rb rather than more traditional markers may therefore increase the quality (no impact on released individuals) and quantity (both adults and eggs are marked) of data collected during MR studies. The method we propose here can be used in combination with other markers, such as stable isotopes, in order to maximize the information collected during MR experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marcantonio
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Olivia C Winokur
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Christopher M Barker
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Dickens BL, Brant HL. Effects of marking methods and fluorescent dusts on Aedes aegypti survival. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:65. [PMID: 24520937 PMCID: PMC3937048 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tracking the movement of mosquitoes and understanding dispersal dynamics is essential for the control and prevention of vector-borne diseases. A variety of marking techniques have been used, including dusts and dyes. Methods In this study, Aedes aegypti were marked using fluorescent dusts (‘DayGlo’: A-19 Horizon Blue & A-13-N Rocket Red; ‘Brian Clegg’: pink, blue & red), fluorescent paints (‘Brian Clegg’: blue, red & yellow) and metallic gold dust (‘Brian Clegg’). Dusting methods were those previously used in mark-release-recapture experiments, including application with a bulb duster, creation of a dust storm or shaking in a bag. Results Results showed marking mosquitoes using a dust storm allowed relatively high survival, compared to unmarked controls (Males: χ2 = 3.24, df = 4, p = 0.07; Females: χ2 = 3.24, df = 4, p = 0.04), and high marking efficiency. Using a bulb duster showed high survival in male mosquitoes (χ2 = 12.59, df = 4, p < 0.000), but low survival in female mosquitoes during the first 15 days of the study (χ2 = 5.17, df = 4, p < 0.05). The bulb duster also had the lowest marking efficiency compared to other dry marking techniques. The bag method showed low survival in males during the first 15 days of the study (χ2 = 5.77, df = 4, p < 0.05). Applying paints had an overall negative impact on survival for males (χ2 = 5.03, df = 3, p < 0.05), but not for females (χ2 = 0.19, df = 3, p = 0.661). Males dusted with DayGlo Horizon Blue dust, and females dusted with DayGlo Rocket Red dust, had the most significant reduction in survivorship in comparison to the control (Males: χ2 = 15.70, df = 6, p < 0.000; Females: χ2 = 24.47, df = 6, p < 0.000). Mosquitoes marked with Brian Clegg gold dust showed mortality rates similar to controls within male mosquitoes (χ2 = 0.18, df = 6, p = 0.674), but significantly lower in females (χ2 = 16.59, df = 6, p < 0.000). Conclusions This study showed that marking technique and colour can have a significant impact on the survival and marking coverage of a mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borame L Dickens
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 1NA, UK.
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7
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Godfray HCJ. Mosquito ecology and control of malaria. J Anim Ecol 2012; 82:15-25. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Eastep NE, Albert RE, Anderson JR. Modulation of La Crosse Virus Infection in Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes Following Larval Exposure to Coffee Extracts. Front Physiol 2012; 3:66. [PMID: 22470349 PMCID: PMC3314198 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-borne La Crosse virus (LACV; Family Bunyaviridae) may cause encephalitis, primarily in children, and is distributed throughout much of the eastern United States. No antivirals or vaccines are available for LACV, or most other mosquito-borne viruses, and prevention generally relies on mosquito control. We sought to determine whether coffee extracts could interfere with LACV replication and vector mosquito development. Both regular and decaffeinated coffee demonstrated significant reductions in LACV replication in direct antiviral assays. This activity was not due to the presence of caffeine, which did not inhibit the virus life cycle. Aedes albopictus (Skuse; Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito larvae suffered near total mortality when reared in high concentrations of regular and decaffeinated coffee and in caffeine. Following larval exposure to sublethal coffee concentrations, adult A. albopictus mosquitoes had significantly reduced whole-body LACV titers 5 days post-infection, compared to larvae reared in distilled water. These results suggest that it may be possible to both control mosquito populations and alter the vector competence of mosquitoes for arthropod-borne viruses by introducing antiviral compounds into the larval habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Eastep
- Radford Arbovirus and Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Radford University Radford, VA, USA
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Mascari TM, Stout RW, Foil LD. Laboratory evaluation of rubidium as a long-lasting marker for bloodfeeding sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 49:227-230. [PMID: 22308794 DOI: 10.1603/me11175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of the trace element rubidium (Rb) as a long-lasting systemic biomarker for bloodfeeding females of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli. Baits containing Rb chloride were found to be palatable to hamsters in this study. We were able to detect Rb using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer in all sand flies that fed on Rb-treated hamsters for at least 14 d postbloodmeal. We also detected Rb in sand flies that took a bloodmeal from hamsters up to 10 d after the hamsters were withdrawn from a Rb-treated diet. Results of this study constitute proof of concept for the incorporation of Rb chloride into rodent baits for marking bloodfeeding sand flies, and suggest that Rb marking could be used as a technique for evaluating rodent-targeted sand fly control methods and in ecological studies on sand flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Mascari
- Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Entomology, 402 Life Sciences, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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Hamer GL, Donovan DJ, Hood-Nowotny R, Kaufman MG, Goldberg TL, Walker ED. Evaluation of a stable isotope method to mark naturally-breeding larval mosquitoes for adult dispersal studies. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 49:61-70. [PMID: 22308772 PMCID: PMC4106289 DOI: 10.1603/me11076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding mosquito dispersal is critically important for vector-borne disease control and prevention. Mark-release-recapture methods using various marking techniques have made substantial contributions to the study of mosquito biology. However, the ability to mark naturally breeding mosquitoes noninvasively and with life-long retention has remained problematic. Here, we describe a method to mark naturally breeding mosquitoes with stable isotopes. Culex pipiens f. molestus mosquitoes were provisioned as larvae in laboratory experiments with 15N-labeled potassium nitrate and 13C-labeled glucose. Larval enrichment was sufficient to differentiate marked adult mosquitoes from unmarked control mosquitoes and the natural source population from Chicago Illinois, using either delta 15N or delta 13C. Isotopic retention lasted for at least 55 d for adult male and females mosquitoes. There were no consistent effects of isotopic enrichment on immature mosquito survival or adult mosquito body size. We then applied this marking technique to naturally breeding Culex pipiens mosquitoes in suburban Chicago, IL, and for the first time, report successful isotopic enrichment of mosquitoes in the field. This stable isotope marking technique will facilitate studies of mosquito dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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