PhD defence Sofia Vielma

Supervisors

• Prof. dr. ir. Florian Muijres

• Prof. dr. Ruth Müller

Abstract

My PhD research explores the hidden world of mosquito mating swarms. Using 3D video tracking in both the lab and semi-field conditions, I studied how male and female Anopheles coluzzii, an important malaria vector, form and maintain swarms. While swarming has long been thought of as a male behavior, I show that females also swarm in structured and active ways, especially before mating. By comparing virgin and mated females and analyzing different sex ratios in swarms, I reveal how these dynamics shape where and when mosquitoes meet and mate. This work provides new insights into the ecology and evolution of swarming and shows how small behavioral details, such as who joins a swarm and when, can influence mosquito populations in nature. Beyond basic biology, these findings help us better understand malaria transmission and may inform future vector control strategies.