AedesTraits: A global database of temperature–dependent trait responses in Aedes mosquitoes

Daniele Da Re , Veronica Andreo, Tomas San Miguel, Margo Blaha, Roberto Rosà, Annapaola Rizzoli, Joe Harrison, Sean Sorek, Leah R Johnson, Paul J Huxley

Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are major vectors of arboviral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, posing an increasing threat to global public health. Their recent geographic expansion calls for predictive models to simulate population dynamics and transmission risk. Temperature is a key driver in these models, influencing traits that affect vector competence. While data on temperature–dependent traits are abundant for Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, they remain scattered, inconsistent, and difficult to synthesise. For emerging species like Ae.japonicus and Ae. koreicus, data are even more limited.
To address these gaps, we developed AedesTraits, an open-access, machine-readable database aligned with VecTraits standards. It compiles and harmonises experimental data on temperature-dependent traits across these four Aedes species, covering life-history, morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits. Our synthesis highlights existing knowledge gaps and identifies under-studied species and traits. By promoting data harmonisation and accessibility, AedesTraits supports improved vector modelling and fosters international collaboration in the development of forecasting tools for arbovirus outbreaks.