Density-dependent population dynamics in Aedes aegypti slow the spread of wMel Wolbachia

Abstract

Field release of endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria into wild Aedes aegypti mosquito populations is a promising strategy for biocontrol of dengue. This strategy requires successful Wolbachia invasion through the mosquito vector population. Natural variation in mosquito fitness due to density-dependent competition for limited food resources may influence Wolbachia invasion. We know little about these effects, largely because our understanding of density-dependent dynamics in mosquito populations is limited. We developed an empirical model of A. aegypti–Wolbachia dynamics where food resources available to the developing larvae are limited. We assessed the extent of density-dependent regulation i..