On the intraspecific hybridization of two invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus

Aim. To summarise the results of studies of the problem of interspecific hybridization of blood‐sucking mosquitoes Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus and probable consequences of this phenomenon. The review considers the direction of the hybridization process, mechanisms of postcopulatory isolation, hybrid survival and the effect of interspecific hybridisation on the representation of vectors in the sympatry zone. The study of interspecific hybridization of mosquitoes Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus began in the first half of the 20th century. As a result of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mating, females of both species lay nonviable eggs. Mating of virgin females of Ae. aegypti with males of Ae. albopictus sterilizes females by means of proteins of accessory glands of the male, but the reverse interspecific crossing does not affect the fertility of females of Ae. albopictus . This phenomenon is called satyrization (reproductive interference). The satyr effect causes asymmetric parameters of the Ae. aegypti population, which can lead to a decrease in the population or extinction of the species in a given territory. However, during long‐term interaction in the sympatry zone, females of Ae. aegypti become resistant to satyrization. Satyrization is the most likely cause of competitive displacement of native mosquitoes by invasive species, especially Ae. albopictus . Even low levels of asymmetric mating interference can cause competitive displacement of a species or its population decline. Satyrized Ae. aegypti populations quickly develop resistance to interspecific mating, which partially offsets the negative effects of reproductive interference and facilitates coexistence with Ae. albopictus . Ae. albopictus mosquitoes are capable of satyrizing females of other species, which can lead to competitive displacement and possible extinctions, especially of endemic species. Thus, successful satyrization contributes to the ecological success of the invasive Ae. albopictus .