Genome-wide SNPs reveal the drivers of gene flow in an urban population of the Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus.

摘要: Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive disease vector with an expanding worldwide distribution. Genetic assays using low to medium resolution markers have found little evidence of spatial genetic structure even at broad geographic scales, suggesting frequent passive movement along human transportation networks. Here we analysed collected from 12 sample sites in Guangzhou, China, thousands genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We for gene flow, distance shipping terminals being the strongest predictor among mosquitoes. As further dispersal, multiple pairs full-siblings distributed between two 3.7 km apart. After accounting geographical variability, also isolation by distance, previously undetectable Ae. albopictus. These findings demonstrate how large SNP datasets and spatially-explicit hypothesis testing can be used decipher processes finer scales than formerly possible. Our approach help predict new invasion pathways refine strategies control that involve transformation or suppression mosquito populations.