Insight into eco-epidemiological traits of European native vector mosquitoes for disease transmission

Transmission risk of emerging and re-emerging mosquito-borne pathogens of major public health concern is increasing in countries at higher latitudes. Although considerable attention has been devoted to understanding how globalization and environmental change influence the epidemiology of diseases transmitted by invasive mosquito species, infections vectored by native mosquito populations have continued to increase drastically. In this Primer, we synthesize current evidence on native mosquito species identified as competent vectors of pathogens in Europe. We explore their key eco-epidemiological traits that support the introduction, establishment, and sustained transmission of pathogens under changing climatic and environmental conditions. Specifically, we provide an overview of their geographic distribution, habitat preferences, host-seeking behavior, host preferences, overwintering characteristics, and competence for disease transmission. Research advances related to changes in habitat use, the consequences of hybridization for pathogen transmission across habitat gradients, and the detection of non-endemic pathogens in field-caught secondary vector species were explored and presented. Additionally, we identify the need for improved delineation of the ecological ranges for important native mosquito vectors, better characterization of the roles of key mosquito species in the current epidemiological landscape, and an enhanced understanding of critical life traits for several important mosquito vectors native to Europe as areas with significant research gaps. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure enhanced surveillance and improved interventions aimed at mitigating the expanding threat of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe.