Disentangling the role of migration, human transport and Wolbachia infection in the global invasion of a disease vector, the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), using a genomic approach.

• Applicant: Dr. Ann-Christin Honnen
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions ; Evolution, Anthropology
• Term: from 2016 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 348864031

The Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) presently belongs to the most invasive species worldwide. It is now present on all continents except Antarctica, with most of its present distribution range having been invaded in the last 30-40 years. However, little is known about which genetic lineages contributed to the historical natural and more recent human-mediated invasions and how genetic variation is distributed and maintained in the newly established populations. Besides, previous research is confined to few areas only, and even less is known about the influence of Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmatic incompatibilities during invasions of the Asian Tiger mosquito, which might strongly influence its population genetic structure. These factors, jointly and individually, are of profound importance to project future invasions of this species and the associated risks of disease transmission. The project I propose is tailored to fill the existing knowledge gaps in the global phylogeography of Aedes albopictus, its invasion routes, its population structure and the possible influence of Wolbachia infections. More specifically, I will use ddRADseq, a state-of-the-art genomic tool, which will allow a genomewide resolution of the demographic history of this competent invader. This technique will also enable me to evaluate Wolbachia infection status and to determine the influence of this pathogen on the distribution of the mitochondrial lineages and their role in the distribution pattern of the Asian Tiger mosquito. The expected results will provide a strong foundation for the assessment of invasion risk and probable invasion routes and thus inform monitoring and management actions. Furthermore, a genomic database for future studies will be created.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Host: Pie Müller, Ph.D.