A review on interspecific competition and population dynamics of mosquitoes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.381.2583-2093Keywords:
Mosquito-borne diseases, Interspecific competition, Vector ecology, larval development, insecticide resistance.Abstract
As carriers of several deadly illnesses, including dengue, chikungunya, malaria, the Zika virus, and lymphatic filariasis, mosquitoes are hematophagous insects of major medical significance. They are members of the Culicidae family and have intricate life cycles and ecological relationships that affect their capacity for survival and spread. The taxonomy, disease correlations, and vectorial potential of the main mosquito genera—Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles—are examined in this paper. It also looks at population control techniques, emphasizing the drawbacks of chemical pesticides, including their damage to the environment, development of resistance, and non-target impacts, and advocating for environmentally benign substitutes including microbiological agents and herbal larvicides. A significant focus is placed on interspecific competition, particularly at the larval stage, where mosquito species compete for food, space, and oxygen. These interactions influence morphological traits such as wing length and adult body size, directly affecting survival, fecundity, and vector competence. Environmental variables, including both biotic (predators, microbial flora) and abiotic (temperature, pH, resource availability) factors, further modulate these outcomes. The review synthesizes data on how interspecific and intraspecific competition impact mosquito population dynamics, larval development, and disease ecology. Understanding these multidimensional interactions is crucial for implementing sustainable vector control strategies. By integrating ecological principles with innovative, environmentally responsible technologies, future mosquito management can be both effective and ecologically sound.
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