Field investigation combined with modeling uncovers the ecological heterogeneity of Aedes albopictus habitats for strategically improving systematic management during urbanization
Authors: Guo Xiang , Luo Lei , Long Yuxiang , Teng Pingying , Wei Yuehong , Xie Tian , Li Li , Yin Qingqing , Li Ziyao , Wang Yuji , He Jiejun , Ji Xiatian , Zhou Huasheng , Zhang Xiaofan , Chen Shigang , Zhou Yezhen , Xu Kaihui , Liang Guancong , Kuang Haocheng , Gao Yuting , Liu Xiaohua , Luo Luting , Ding Lin , Li Yiji , Liu Zhuanzhuan , Zhou Tengfei , Lai Zetian , Su Xinghua , Guo Yuyan , Li Chenying , Xie Lihua , Li Minqing , Wu Xinglong , Huang Jianhao , Su Weicong , Pan Yicheng , Hu Wei , Zhou Dongrui , Li Chunv , Gui Juan , Ma Jiazhi , Feng Xiaoli , Zhu Minyi , Zhong Shangbin , Chen Fan , Zeng Huanchao , Wu Yingxian , Wang Chen , Li Shukai , Wang Qi , Wang Xueyi , Zhou Yekai , Ling Jianxun , Liu Yingjie , Wu Shang , Li Zhiwei , Zhong Minghui , Wei Wenxia , Xie Lixian , Xu Xianli , Huang Hehai , Yang Guilan , Liu Yan , Liang Siting , Wu Yingxia , Zhang Deyu , Xu Changqing , Wang Jie , Wang Chunmei , Wu Rangke , Yang Zhicong , Chen Xiao-Guang , Zhou Xiaohong 
Published: October 2023

Background

Aedes albopictus is an invasive vector of serious Aedes-borne diseases of global concern. Habitat management remains a critical factor for establishing a cost-effective systematic strategy for sustainable vector control. However, the community-based characteristics of Ae. albopictus habitats in complex urbanization ecosystems are still not well understood.

Methods

A large-scale investigation of aquatic habitats, involving 12 sites selected as representative of four land use categories at three urbanization levels, was performed in Guangzhou, China during 2015–2017. The characteristics and dynamics of these Ae. albopictus habitats were assessed using habitat-type composition, habitat preference, diversity indexes and the Route index (RI), and the temporal patterns of these indexes were evaluated by locally weighted scatterplot smoothing models. The associations of RI with urbanization levels, land use categories and climatic variables were inferred using generalized additive mixed models.

Results

A total of 1994 potential habitats and 474 Ae. albopictus-positive habitats were inspected. The majority of these habitats were container-type habitats, with Ae. albopictus showing a particularly higher habitat preference for plastic containers, metal containers and ceramic vessels. Unexpectedly, some non-container-type habitats, especially ornamental ponds and surface water, were found to have fairly high Ae. albopictus positivity rates. Regarding habitats, the land use category residential and rural in Jiangpu (Conghua District, Guangzhou) had the highest number of Ae. albopictus habitats with the highest positive rates. The type diversity of total habitats (H-total) showed a quick increase from February to April and peaked in April, while the H-total of positive habitats (H-positive) and RIs peaked in May. RIs mainly increased with the monthly average daily mean temperature and monthly cumulative rainfall. We also observed the accumulation of diapause eggs in the winter and diapause termination in the following March.

Conclusions

Ecological heterogeneity of habitat preferences of Ae. albopictus was demonstrated in four land use categories at three urbanization levels. The results reveal diversified habitat-type compositions and significant seasonal variations, indicating an ongoing adaptation of Ae. albopictus to the urbanization ecosystem. H-positivity and RIs were inferred as affected by climatic variables and diapause behavior of Ae. albopictus, suggesting that an effective control of overwintering diapause eggs is crucial. Our findings lay a foundation for establishing a stratified systematic management strategy of Ae. albopictus habitats in cities that is expected to complement and improve community-based interventions and sustainable vector management.

Graphical Abstract