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Could gene drive mosquitoes affect food webs? Ecological considerations and potential effects

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Mosquitoes are often considered important components of food webs, raising concerns about the ecological consequences of their reduction or modification. This article examines current evidence on mosquito trophic roles across life stages, highlighting their widespread but typically non-essential contribution to predator diets and ecosystem processes. It reviews experimental studies on predation of gene drive mosquitoes, explores potential indirect effects such as competitive release and shifts in species interactions, and situates these mechanisms within environmental risk assessment frameworks. The article emphasises that most anticipated effects remain context-dependent and require empirical validation under field conditions. As a living literature review, this article will be updated as new evidence emerges.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19692712

Author: Moronta Barrios, Felix

Institutions: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Language: English

Topic: Mosquito-borne diseases and control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7155154463

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