Seminal influences: male mosquitoes and their contribution to female biology, behavior and disease transmission

The lowly male mosquito has been ignored for decades due to its lack of an obvious role, as a non-blood feeder, in disease transmission.   In recent years, we’ve learned a great deal about male mosquito biology that has elevated its role to an important contributor in female biology, behavior, and, ultimately to disease transmission.   We will review our recent insights on male seminal fluid molecules that, when transferred to females, induce significant and long lasting changes in the female including influences on blood feeding behavior.  In addition, we will present new results on female mating behavior that spans the spectrum from laboratory to field.