The ecology of biting: buzzing through the main ecological, environmental and biological drivers of mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquito populations are shaped by a variety of environmental drivers, including temperature fluctuations, habitat alterations, and physicochemical factors. These drivers impact mosquito community composition, influencing the spread of vector-borne diseases. Species differ in their sensitivity to environmental changes, with some thriving in anthropogenic landscapes and others exhibit preferences for natural habitats. Abiotic factors such as temperature, water pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen strongly affect larval survival and development, while interspecific competition among larvae shapes community structure and species abundance, impacting pathogen transmission. Mosquito feeding preferences further influence pathogen transmission by determining host selection; with opportunistic mosquito species that can act as bridge vectors between humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, facilitating the spread of zoonotic pathogens. In this respect, understanding the dynamics of zoonotic pathogens requires a One Health approach that integrates human, animal and environmental health. Mathematical models, in particular, draw on ecological, environmental and biological factors to elucidate mosquito population dynamics and disease transmission, reinforcing the importance of adopting an integrated perspective. We examine the key environmental, ecological, and biological factors shaping mosquito community composition, and highlight the role of mathematical modelling in clarifying how these factors influence mosquito-borne disease transmission. Our findings emphasize that vector surveillance and control programs should target specific vector species in relevant habitats to optimize effectiveness and reduce economic costs.