Beat the heat: Culex quinquefasciatus regulates its body temperature during blood-feeding

Abstract

AbstractMosquitoes are regarded as one of the most dangerous animals on earth. As they are responsible for the spread of a wide range of both human and animal diseases, research of the underlying mechanisms of their feeding behavior and physiology is critical. Among disease vector mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus, which is a known carrier of West Nile virus and Western Equine Encephalitis, remains relatively understudied. As blood sucking insects, adaptations (either at the molecular or physiological level) while feeding on warm blood is crucial to their survival, as overheating can result in death due to heat stress. Our research aims to study how Cx. quinquefasciatus copes with heat associated with the ingestion of a warm blood-meal and to possibly uncover the adaptations this species uses to avoid thermal stress. Through the use of thermographic imaging, we analyzed the body temperature of Cx. quinquefasciatus while blood feeding. Infrared thermography has allowed us to identify a cooling strategy, evaporative cooling via the production of fluid droplets, and an overall low body temperature in comparison to the blood temperature during feeding. Understanding Cx. quinquefasciatus’ adaptations and various strategies that they employ to reduce their body temperature while blood-feeding constitutes the first step towards the discovery of potential targets of opportunity for their control.HighlightsMosquitoes have evolved to cope with heat stress associated with warm blood ingestionCulex quinquefasciatus displays heterothermy while blood-feedingThe abdominal temperature decreases due to evaporative cooling using urine dropletsOverall, the mosquito body temperature is much cooler than the ingested blood