Mosquito community composition in two major stopover aquatic ecosystems used by migratory birds in northern Spain

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are common bloodsucking Diptera frequently found in aquatic environments, which are valuable ecosystems for many animal species, particularly migrating birds. Therefore, interactions between these animal species and mosquitoes may play a critical role in pathogen transmission. During 2018-2019, mosquitoes were collected from two aquatic ecosystems in northern Spain using different methodologies and identified using classical morphology and molecular tools. A total of 1529 males and females of 22 native mosquito species (including eight new records for the region) were trapped using CO2-baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traps and sweep netting. Among the blood-fed female mosquitoes, 11 vertebrate host species-six mammals and five birds-were identified using DNA barcoding. The developmental sites of eight mosquito species were determined across nine microhabitats, and 11 mosquito species were caught landing on humans. The flight period varied among mosquito species, with some peaking in the spring and others in the summer. Our study highlights the advantages of mosquito sampling using various techniques to comprehensively characterise species composition and abundance. Information on the trophic preferences, biting behaviour and influence of climatic variables on the ecology of mosquitoes is also provided.

Automated summary

This study collected and identified mosquito species from two aquatic ecosystems in northern Spain using different methods. It discovered new records of mosquito species and identified the vertebrate host species of blood-fed female mosquitoes using DNA barcoding. The study also determined the developmental sites of mosquito species and found that some species landed on humans. It highlights the advantages of using various techniques to comprehensively characterize mosquito species composition and abundance, and provides information on the trophic preferences, biting behavior, and influence of climatic variables on mosquito ecology.