Impact of laboratory rearing and colonisation of mosquitoes on the mating behaviour, reproductive fitness and genetic diversity of malaria vectors for informed future release efforts

In the context of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, biological control through the releases of sterile, genetically-modified or Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes represents promising complementary strategies for effective malaria control. The success of these strategies critically depends on the mating success of laboratory-reared males with wild females in the field. To optimise these strategies, several knowledge gaps crucial for effective field implementation need to be addressed. In this proposal, I aim, through a set of laboratory, semi-field and field experiments, to assess the impact of laboratory-rearing and colony maintenance of malaria mosquitoes on mating behaviour, fitness and genetic diversity of males. I will use these data to build a reliable mathematical model to predict the mating success of laboratory-reared male malaria mosquitoes in the field. This study will therefore provide tools and a framework for monitoring the fitness of male mosquitoes and help optimising the implementation of mosquito release strategies for effective malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: Malaria mosquitoes, Laboratory-rearing, Mosquito colonisation, Mating success, Male release strategies, Predictive model.