The Potential Flight Capacity of Aedes albopictus

Objective To clarify the flight capacity characteristics of Aedes albopictus adults of different genders and ages, providing a scientific basis and theoretical support for the formulation of integrated control strategies. Methods The flight capacity of male and female adults aged 1–10, 15, 20, and 25 days from a laboratory population of Ae. albopictus was measured using the tethered flight technique, with three parameters recorded: maximum flight distance, maximum flight duration, and maximum average flight speed. Tests were performed at 26.5±0.5 ℃, 65%±5% relative humidity, 150 lx light intensity, a 12 h:12 h light‑dark cycle, and no air disturbance. Results Age and gender both exerted significant effects on the maximum flight distance of Ae. albopictus , and females displayed a significantly longer mean maximum flight distance than males. The interaction between age and gender showed no significant effect on maximum flight distance. Age significantly affected both maximum flight duration and maximum average flight speed. Gender significantly affected maximum average flight speed but not maximum flight duration. Conclusion The flight capacity of Ae. albopictus exhibits distinct age‑related and sexual dimorphism, with independent effects of age and gender that are highly consistent with mosquito physiological development and ecological functional differentiation. These findings offer a quantitative basis for predicting the dispersal range of Ae. albopictus and optimizing control timing and targets, and are of great reference value for the precise prevention and control of mosquito‑borne infectious diseases such as dengue fever.