Serge B Poda

Abstract Swarming is a widespread collective behavior in animals, often thought to emerge from complex interactions among individuals. Here, we show that mating swarms of malaria mosquitoes can emerge from simple behavioral rules with minimal interaction between individuals. We analyzed two published experimental datasets with three-dimensional flight tracks of Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes swarming above a visual marker under simulated sunset conditions.

Abstract Complex coordinated group behaviors such as bird flocking and fish schooling often rely on intricate interactions among individuals. In these groups, neighbors exhibit strong mutual attraction, alignment, and collision avoidance. Here, we tested whether insect swarms arise from similar simple behavioral rules.

Abstract Male mosquitoes form aerial aggregations, known as swarms, to attract females and maximize their chances of finding a mate. Within these swarms, individuals must be able to recognize potential mates and navigate the dynamic social environment to successfully intercept a mating partner. Prior research has almost exclusively focused on the role of acoustic cues in mediating the ability of male mosquitoes to recognize and pursue flying females.