Mosquitoes in urban green spaces: using an island biogeographic approach to identify drivers of species richness and composition

Author(s)

Medeiros-Sousa, Antonio Ralph ^[1] ; Fernandes, Aristides ^[1] ; Ceretti-Junior, Jr., Walter ^[1] ; Bruno Wilke, Andre Barreto ^[1] ; Marrelli, Mauro Toledo ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Epidemiol, Ave Doutor Arnaldo 715, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 7, DEC 19 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 17

Abstract

Mosquitoes are well known for their epidemiological importance as vectors of a wide range of human pathogens. Despite the many studies on medically important species, little is known about the diversity patterns of these insects in urban green spaces, which serve as shelter and refuge for many native and invasive species. Here, we investigate drivers of mosquito richness and composition in nine urban parks in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Using the equilibrium theory of island biogeography, we tested predictive models for species richness and composition and performed nestedness analysis. We also investigated whether species loss tends to benefit vector mosquitoes. In the period 2011 to 2013, a total of 37,972 mosquitoes belonging to 73 species and 14 genera were collected. Our results suggest there is a species-area relationship, an increase in species similarity as richness is lost and a nested species composition pattern. Seven of the eight most commonly found species are considered vectors of human pathogens, suggesting a possible link between species loss and increased risk of pathogen transmission. Our data highlight the need for studies that seek to understand how species loss may affect the risk of infectious diseases in urban areas. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/51230-8 - Biodiversity of mosquitoes (Diptera : Culicidae) in the city of São Paulo municipal parks
• Grantee: Mauro Toledo Marrelli
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants