Cuticular hydrocarbons are associated with mating success and insecticide resistance in malaria vectors

Abstract Anopheles coluzzii females, important malaria vectors in Africa, mate only once their lifetime. Mating occurs aerial swarms with a high male-to-female ratio, where traits underlying male mating success are largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) influence natural Burkina Faso. As insecticides widely used this area for control, also determined CHCs affect insecticide resistance levels. We find that mated males have higher CHC abundance than unmated controls, suggesting could be determinants of success. Additionally, under pyrethroid challenge, and show link between intensity abundance. Taken together, our results suggest may subject to sexual selection addition by pressure. This has implications management, as these sustained the population due benefits even absence insecticides.