Morphology is the study of how living things look, including their shape, size, and structure. Scientists use morphology to classify animals and plants. It helps them understand species and how they evolve.
Why is Mosquito Identification Important?
Identifying species is difficult, even with large animals and plants. However, it is crucial in tracking disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes. Knowing which mosquitoes spread diseases helps experts find ways to control them.
New AI Tool to Identify Mosquitoes
Utah State University scientist Norah Saarman is working on an AI tool to identify mosquitoes more quickly and accurately. She received a $54,000 grant from the American Mosquito Association Research Fund to support this project. The tool uses computer vision to recognize different types of Culex mosquitoes, which can spread West Nile Virus.
Mosquitoes in Utah
Utah has several mosquito species, including the Northern House Mosquito (Culex pipiens) and the Southern House Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus), also called “Quinx.” Both mosquitoes spread diseases like West Nile Virus, but Quinx is better at spreading it to humans. These mosquitoes also breed together, creating hybrids that make identification more difficult.
How the AI Tool Works
Saarman and her team are working with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District and the Utah Department of Health. They are collecting mosquitoes and studying them using traditional methods like DNA testing. Then, they will combine these techniques with AI from Vectech, Inc. to create a fast, low-cost way to identify mosquitoes.
Why This Matters
Tracking mosquito populations is hard because their numbers change throughout the year. Mosquitoes need blood from animals or humans and water to survive. Cities create perfect breeding spots with storm drains and catch basins. These small water sources allow mosquitoes to multiply, even in dry states like Utah.
Challenges in Mosquito Control
Authorities use larvicides, such as Bacillus sphaericus, to kill mosquito larvae before they become adults. However, mosquitoes can develop resistance to these chemicals over time. Better identification tools will help experts track resistance and manage mosquito populations more effectively.
West Nile Virus in Utah
In 2024, Utah reported 14 cases of West Nile Virus in humans, with one death. While this number seems low, outbreaks have been worse in the past. In 2008, the state recorded 158 cases. West Nile Virus can lead to severe health problems like meningitis and paralysis, making mosquito control essential.
Source: news-medical
