TY - JOUR T1 - Pathways for introduction and dispersal of invasive Aedes mosquito species in Europe: a review JF - Journal of the European Mosquito Control Association Y1 - 2020 A1 - A. Ibaňez-Justicia SP - 1 EP - 10 KW - Aedes KW - dispersal KW - Europe KW - invasive mosquitoes KW - pathway KW - surveillance KW - vector-borne diseases AB - Abstract: In the last decades, Aedes invasive mosquito species (AIMs) have arrived in Europe from overseas, introduced via different pathways. Several species such as Aedes albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus were introduced, built populations, and expanded their distribution into new regions. The introduction and establishment of AIMs in Europe is a risk to public health, due to the ability of these mosquitoes to transmit diverse pathogens of vector-borne diseases. The objective of this manuscript is to review knowledge of pathways associated with the introduction and dispersal of AIMs in Europe. The identification of pathways for introduction of AIMs is critical to decide on surveillance strategies needed to reduce the risk and control future introductions. Four main routes are identified and discussed: the passive transport of AIMs via (1) the trade of used tyres, (2) the trade of Lucky bamboo plant cuttings, (3) vehicles (traffic by road, airplanes, and sea), as well as (4) the active natural dispersal of AIMs. We conclude that the trade of used tyres remains the main pathway for long distance transportation and introduction of AIMs into and within Europe. Furthermore, passive transport by road in ground vehicles (e.g. car, truck) represents the major driving force for dispersion from already established populations. Journal of the European Mosquito Control Association 38: 1 – 10, 2020 VL - 38 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - The Nedre Dalälven River Landscape in Central Sweden - a hot-spot for mosquito (Diptera:Culicidae) diversity JF - Journal of the European Mosquito Control Association Y1 - 2018 A1 - Schäfer, Martina L. A1 - Wahlqvist, Pernilla A1 - Lundström, Jan O. SP - 17 EP - 22 KW - Europe KW - floodplains KW - mosquito diversity KW - mosquito species richness KW - River Dalälven KW - Sweden AB - Abstract: The floodplains of the River Dalälven, Central Sweden, have previously been known for enormous abundance of mosquitoes causing unbearable nuisance, but since mosquito control measures by Biologisk Myggkontroll (BMK) commenced in 2002, the area’s beautiful landscape and high biodiversity can be more appreciated. The floodplains are the central part of the UNESCO Nedre Dalälven River Landscape Biosphere Reserve as well as the location of various protected areas. The rich biodiversity also includes mosquitoes, although these insects are rarely considered in the study of biodiversity. We analysed mosquito data collected by the BMK surveillance program from 2001 until 2017 for species richness and assemblages of the mosquito fauna in the floodplains of the River Dalälven, and the nearby Creeks Vretaån and Kilsån. The mosquito species richness of the Nedre Dalälven River Landscape included 30 species in the present study, and three to eight species could potentially be added according to other studies, which then includes more than 70% of all known mosquito species in Sweden. The location of the floodplains at the Limes Norrlandicus, the border between southern and northern vegetation zones, is reflected in the mosquito fauna that includes species commonly found in Northern Sweden as well as more southern species. The mosquito species richness of the region is similar to the species richness observed in other floodplain areas in Central and Southern Europe. Hydrological conditions of the Lake basins of the River Dalälven floodplains varied from frequent flooding with high amplitude to almost no flooding. As expected, the hydrological variations were reflected in the mosquito assemblages, with high prevalence of floodwater mosquitoes in the flood-prone areas and more homogenous assemblages in the areas less subject to flooding. In conclusion, the River Dalälven floodplain area is considered a mosquito diversity hot-spot for Sweden and for Europe. Journal of the European Mosquito Control Association 36: 17-22, 2018 VL - 36 ER -