Close-kin mark-recapture methods to estimate demographic parameters of mosquitoes

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010755
• Publication Date: 2022-12-12T18:36:14Z
• Authors: Yogita Sharma; Jared B. Bennett; Gordana Rašić; John M. Marshall
• Keywords: Mark and recapture; Life History Theory

Close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) methods have recently been used to infer demographic parameters such as census population size and survival for fish of interest fisheries conservation. These advantages over traditional the mark is genetic, removing need physical marking recapturing that may interfere with parameter estimation. For mosquitoes, spatial distribution close-kin pairs has estimate mean dispersal distance, relevance vector-borne disease transmission novel biocontrol strategies. Here, we extend CKMR life history mosquitoes comparable insects. We derive kinship probabilities mother-offspring, father-offspring, full-sibling half-sibling pairs, where an individual in each pair be a larva, pupa or adult. A pseudo-likelihood approach combine marginal all pairs. To test effectiveness this at estimating mosquito parameters, develop individual-based model incorporating egg, adult stages. The simulation labels unique identification number, enabling relationships inferred sampled individuals. Using dengue vector Aedes aegypti case study, find provides unbiased estimates size, larval mortality rates, stage duration logistically feasible sampling schemes. Considering simulated 3,000 estimation accurate when ca. 40 females are biweekly three month period. Estimation supplemented 120 larvae same also effective detecting intervention-induced increases decreases size. As cost genome sequencing declines, holds great promise characterizing demography insects epidemiological agricultural significance.