School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Influence of invasive Guinea grass on Aedes aegypti behavior in urban semi-arid subtropical environments

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-18-2026

Abstract

The invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti, a vector for yellow fever and dengue, is a common urban species known for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. Urbanization and climate change is increasing preference of A. aegypti for human habitats, influenced primarily by two factors: the frequency and intensity of drought and human population density. In low-income neighborhoods, green areas are often invaded by unmanaged non-native plants. These invasive plants alter habitats by displacing native vegetation, changing the soil moisture regime, and moderating temperatures, which may influence mosquito behavior. This study examined the impact of the invasive forage grass, Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) on the oviposition and flight behavior of A. aegypti in semiarid, subtropical Texas. We conducted a field study followed by laboratory experiments to assess the oviposition and resting preferences among different grass types. Our results showed a significant variation across the three treatments, with significantly more eggs laid in the invasive grass infusion compared to the control. Similarly, when given a choice A. aegypti mosquitoes preferred resting on the invasive grass compared to the native grass or the control. These results highlight how invasive grasses can exacerbate A. aegypti problems already worsened by unmanaged vegetation in low-income neighborhoods, offering valuable insights for integrated mosquito and invasive plant control strategies.

Comments

https://rdcu.be/e5kOh

Publication Title

Biological Invasions

DOI

10.1007/s10530-025-03733-y

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