Published in Science · View the paper (DOI)
New research has revealed that the 'London Underground mosquito' evolved over 1,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt, contradicting a long-held theory of its emergence in northern Europe. The study's findings suggest that hybridisation between human-biting and bird-biting mosquitoes may contribute to West Nile virus transmission.
Coverage from 3 institutions
- Sanger Institute: Origins of the ‘London Underground mosquito’ uncovered, shedding light on West Nile virus transmission Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute · Oct 23, 2025 · first to report
- Ancient Mediterranean origin of the “London Underground Mosquito” American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) · Oct 23, 2025
- Study uncovers origins of urban human-biting mosquito, sheds light on uptick in West Nile virus spillover from birds to humans Princeton University · Oct 23, 2025