Seasonal Population Dynamics of Mosquitoes in Taipei, Taiwan

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant public health concern globally; however, data on mosquito population dynamics in Taipei, Taiwan are limited and outdated. Updated information on species composition and seasonal abundance is crucial for enhancing vector surveillance and informing effective control strategies. In this study, to investigate the seasonal dynamics of mosquito populations in Taipei, Taiwan, adult females were collected biweekly from June 2023 to May 2025 using CDC light traps baited with ultraviolet light and dry ice. Species identification was performed based on morphological characteristics, and morphologically challenging Culex mosquito species were further confirmed using cytochrome c oxidase I barcoding. Mosquito surveillance from June 2023 to May 2025 yielded 1926 females representing 31 species. Of these, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pipiens molestus, Aedes albopictus, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus accounted for over 90% of all specimens. These dominant species exhibited distinct seasonal patterns: Cx. quinquefasciatus occurred year-round, Cx. pipiens molestus predominated during winter and spring, while Ae. albopictus and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations peaked in summer. Furthermore, spatial heterogeneity in both mosquito abundance and species composition was noted among the study sites. Monitoring the composition and seasonal dynamics of mosquito species is essential for understanding the epidemiology of mosquito-borne pathogens. These insights can inform more effective and targeted vector control strategies for reducing disease transmission. Such ecological insights can also support One Health approaches by linking human, animal, and environmental factors that influence the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.