Single-Pair and Small-Group Crosses of Aedes aegypti

Aedes aegypti is an emerging model insect species used in genetics studies because of its ease of laboratory rearing, desiccation-resistant eggs, expanding genetic toolkit, and high-quality reference genome. Here, we describe procedures to isolate and sex virgin female and male mosquitoes and establish successful mating crosses. We also detail how to blood feed mosquitoes from these crosses, isolate individual or small groups of females for egg laying, condition these eggs for storage and hatching, and verify female mating status.