Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 147-160 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 151 their life cycles. Natural habitats, such as ponds, marshes, and tree holes, provide stable environments with consistent water quality and temperature. In contrast, artificial habitats, such as discarded containers, tires, and urban water systems, can vary widely in their suitability for mosquito breeding. The adaptability of mosquitoes to these diverse habitats is a key factor in their ability to thrive in various environments (Schaeffer et al., 2008). 3.4.2 Urbanization and habitat fragmentation Urbanization and habitat fragmentation have significant impacts on mosquito populations. Urban areas often provide numerous artificial breeding sites, leading to increased mosquito abundance and higher risks of disease transmission. Habitat fragmentation can also create isolated populations with varying genetic diversity and adaptability. The interplay between urbanization and mosquito habitat availability is a critical area of study for understanding and managing vector-borne diseases (Schaeffer et al., 2008; Phelan and Rotiberg, 2013). 4 Case Study: Mosquito Life Cycle Dynamics in Varied Environmental Conditions 4.1 Case study 1: tropical environments 4.1.1 Typical mosquito species and their life cycles In tropical environments, mosquito species such as Aedes africanus and Aedes furcifer are prevalent. These species are known vectors of the yellow fever virus and typically breed in tree holes where water availability is a critical factor for their life cycle stages, including immature and mature eggs, larvae, and adult females (Schaeffer et al., 2008). Another significant species in tropical regions is Anopheles, which transmits malaria. The life cycle of Anopheles mosquitoes involves several stages: gametocytes are ingested during blood-feeding, fertilization occurs in the midgut, and the parasites develop through ookinetes, oocysts, and sporozoites before being transmitted to another host. 4.1.2 Environmental conditions and challenges Tropical environments are characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, which create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. The abundance of water in tree holes and other breeding sites is a primary environmental factor influencing mosquito populations (Schaeffer et al., 2008). However, these conditions also pose challenges, such as the increased risk of disease transmission due to higher mosquito populations. Additionally, the variability in rainfall and temperature can affect the survival and development rates of mosquitoes, impacting their vectorial capacity (Moller-Jacobs et al., 2014). Reinhold et al. (2018) compiled the current knowledge on the effect of environmental temperature on mosquitoes with a focus on their host-seeking behavior and ecology, including dispersion and vector relevance (Figure 2). 4.2 Case study 2: temperate environments 4.2.1 Typical mosquito species and their life cycles In temperate environments, species such as Aedes vexans and Culex tarsalis are common. These species have life cycles that are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. For instance, Aedes vexans and Culex tarsalis populations are influenced by air temperature and surface water availability, which affect their breeding and development stages (Chuang et al., 2012). The life cycle of these mosquitoes includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with each stage being temperature-dependent (Ewing et al., 2016). 4.2.2 Environmental conditions and challenges Temperate regions experience significant seasonal variations in temperature, which directly impact mosquito population dynamics. Warmer temperatures can increase mosquito abundance and the risk of disease outbreaks, while colder temperatures can reduce mosquito activity and survival rates (Ewing et al., 2016; Agyekum et al., 2021). The challenge in these environments is predicting and managing mosquito populations as climate change leads to more frequent and extreme temperature fluctuations (Beck-Johnson et al., 2013). 4.3 Case study 3: urban vs. rural environments 4.3.1 Comparative analysis of mosquito populations Urban environments often have higher mosquito populations due to the availability of artificial breeding sites such
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