Microclimatic conditions associated with mosquito resting sites in an urban desert environment

In the field of mosquito and infectious disease ecology, it is currently common practice to use coarse-scale climate data at a resolution greater than or equal to1 km². These data are used to predict mosquito species abundance and distribution, as well as disease transmission risk, at present or in the face of climate change. Unfortunately, using coarse-scale climate data can give inaccurate predictions since the most relevant spatial scale for mosquitoes (and other ectothermic insects) is at the microhabitat level. Additionally, even within a microhabitat, temperature and relative humidity can vary greatly due to e.g., vegetation cover, shade and irrigation. Therefore, in order to determine the accuracy of models that use coarse-scale climate data instead of fine-scale microclimate data, we will measure the microclimates in actual mosquito resting sites on the Arizona State University Tempe campus. Temperature and relative humidity will be measured in seven different mosquito resting habitat types (e.g. storm drains, low-lying vegetation and leaf litter), each with five replicates, during the upcoming monsoon season (June 15-September 30). We will discuss typical mosquito resting habitats, and show by using the novel and unique microclimate data that the available macro- and microclimatic datasets that are currently being used in models can underestimate mosquito and disease risk predictions in an urban desert environment. Results from the study can be used to better understand the difference in accuracy between using coarse-scale and fine-scale microclimate data, and will benefit public health decision-making to reduce the burden of mosquito-borne diseases.