- ECNETNews: Utah Ecologist Awarded Grant for Advanced Mosquito Species Identification
UTAH, USA — The field of morphology, which examines the form and structure of organisms, plays a crucial role in taxonomy—the science of classifying living things. This discipline is vital for accurately identifying species and understanding evolutionary processes.
Identifying species, particularly small organisms like mosquitoes, poses significant challenges, according to Utah State University ecologist Norah Saarman. “Visually distinguishing between species of small insects is incredibly difficult due to their similarities and minute body parts,” she explained. “Even advanced training and magnification often yield inconclusive results.”
Accurate species identification is essential for tracking disease vectors and implementing effective control measures.
In response to this urgent need, Saarman, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and at the USU Ecology Center, has been awarded a $54,000 grant to develop efficient, cost-effective identification tools for Culex mosquitoes responsible for the transmission of West Nile Virus, employing cutting-edge computer vision-based AI technology.
While Utah is not among the states hardest hit by mosquito populations, various species thrive in the region. The Northern House Mosquito, Culex pipiens, is a known vector for West Nile Virus and other diseases affecting both humans and wildlife.
Complicating matters, the Southern House Mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, often referred to as “Quinx,” has become more common in northern Utah. This species closely resembles Culex pipiens, yet is more proficient at transmitting West Nile Virus. First identified in southern Utah during the 1950s, Quinx has recently spread to metropolitan areas like Salt Lake City.
Additionally, hybrids produced from interbreeding between Quinx and Northern House Mosquitoes add another layer of complexity.
“Employing better identification techniques is essential for monitoring these populations and their hybrids,” Saarman emphasized.
Saarman has collaborated with local mosquito abatement districts and health departments to study mosquito populations across the state. With specimens collected through these collaborations, her team is refining species identification methods using both morphological techniques and DNA testing, coupled with machine learning technologies to create a rapid and accurate identification approach.
“Monitoring mosquito populations and disease events is challenging due to their fluctuating numbers throughout the season, as well as their adaptability to environmental changes,” she noted. Urbanization in Utah has encouraged mosquitoes to occupy habitats formed by human activities, such as storm drain catchment basins.
Mosquitoes require two primary conditions for survival: blood from vertebrate hosts and standing water. Homeowners and pets inadvertently attract these pests, which thrive in both natural and artificially created water sources.
Female mosquitoes must consume a blood meal to effectively lay their eggs in proximity to water sources. Even in semi-arid areas, urban infrastructure can provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes by collecting stagnant water.
“Utah’s dry climate often misleads us to overlook small piles of standing water that can nurture mosquito larvae,” Saarman warned.
In response to mosquito populations, urban managers apply larvicides such as Bacillus spaericus to eliminate larvae before they emerge as adults. However, prudence is essential in their application.
“These larvicides are typically safe for humans, pets, and non-target insects when used properly,” she explained. “Nonetheless, mosquitoes can develop resistance to these treatments, making it essential to monitor resistance across species and locations.”
In 2024, Utah reported 14 human cases of West Nile Virus, including one fatality. While this number may seem low, Saarman highlighted the potential for outbreaks. “The Utah Department of Health and Human Services averages around 25 cases annually, with a concerning surge of 158 cases recorded during a high-transmission summer in 2008,” she said. “West Nile Virus is a serious condition that can lead to severe complications.”
Her team’s mission focuses on preventing vector-borne diseases through safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sound methods. “To achieve this, we need accurate, rapid species identification and information about the pathogens they carry,” Saarman concluded. “AI technology will be instrumental in accomplishing this.”
