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Artificial Light at Night Increases Aedes aegypti Mosquito Biting Behavior with Implications for Arboviral Disease
Samuel S C Rund1,2, Laura F Labb1,2, Owen M Benefiel1,2
11Department of Biological Sciences, Galvin Life Science Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Abstract:
Aedes aegypti mosquito is a major vector of arboviral disease. Here, we report that the biting behavior of normally daytime active anthropophilic Ae. aegypti mosquitoes on human hosts is abnormally increased at night following exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN). Biting was examined using a human host assay where caged mosquitoes were exposed to a human arm and blood-feeding measured. Mosquitoes were tested during the daytime, nighttime, or challenged with ALAN. As predicted from the Ae. aegypti diel/circadian biting cycle, maximal biting occurred during daytime and lowest level occurred at night. Biting in the ALAN group was increased compared with time-matched nighttime controls. These data reveal that exposure to ALAN increases nocturnal blood-feeding behavior. This finding highlights the concern that globally increasing levels of light pollution could be impacting arboviral disease transmission, such as dengue fever and Zika, and has implications for application of countermeasures for mosquito vector control.
Insights
Artificial light at night (ALAN) increases nighttime biting behavior in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a major arboviral disease vector. This finding suggests light pollution may exacerbate diseases like dengue and Zika.
Area of Science:
- Medical entomology
- Environmental science
- Public health
Background:
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are primary vectors for arboviruses such as dengue and Zika.
- Mosquitoes exhibit diel (24-hour) and circadian rhythms influencing their activity patterns, including biting behavior.
- Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing form of global light pollution with potential ecological impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ALAN on the nocturnal biting behavior of Aedes aegypti.
- To determine if ALAN can disrupt the natural circadian biting cycle of Aedes aegypti.
- To assess the implications of ALAN-induced behavioral changes for arboviral disease transmission.
Main Methods:
- A human host assay was employed to measure Aedes aegypti blood-feeding.
- Mosquitoes were exposed to human arms under controlled conditions.
- Experimental groups included daytime, nighttime, and nighttime with ALAN exposure.
Main Results:
- Aedes aegypti exhibited maximal biting during the daytime and minimal biting at night, consistent with their natural cycle.
- Mosquitoes exposed to ALAN showed significantly increased biting behavior during nighttime hours compared to controls.
- ALAN exposure altered the typical nocturnal suppression of biting behavior.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to artificial light at night disrupts the natural circadian rhythm of Aedes aegypti, increasing nocturnal host-seeking and blood-feeding.
- Increasing global light pollution may enhance the transmission potential of arboviral diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti.
- Findings underscore the need to consider light pollution in mosquito control strategies and arboviral disease prevention efforts.
