Could gene drive mosquitoes affect food webs? Ecological considerations and potential effects

Mosquitoes are often considered important components of food webs, raising concerns about the ecological consequences of their reduction or modification. This article examines current evidence on mosquito trophic roles across life stages, highlighting their widespread but typically non-essential contribution to predator diets and ecosystem processes. It reviews experimental studies on predation of gene drive mosquitoes, explores potential indirect effects such as competitive release and shifts in species interactions, and situates these mechanisms within environmental risk assessment frameworks. The article emphasises that most anticipated effects remain context-dependent and require empirical validation under field conditions. As a living literature review, this article will be updated as new evidence emerges.