Yoosook Lee
0000-0002-1392-7177

Specialist

assistant professor, molecular ecology, population genomics, bioinformatics, UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Lab, Vero Beach, FL

FMEL Profile

Publications

thumbnail for publication: A Concise Guide on the Bionomics and Key Morphological Characteristics for Identifying Aedes pertinax (Grabham, 1906) – a Mosquito Species from the Neotropics Expanding in Geographic Range

A Concise Guide on the Bionomics and Key Morphological Characteristics for Identifying Aedes pertinax (Grabham, 1906) – a Mosquito Species from the Neotropics Expanding in Geographic Range

Ana L. Romero-Weaver, Michael T. Riles, Kristin Sloyer, Yoosook Lee, Lindsay P. Campbell, and Bryan V. Giordano

Aedes pertinax is a non-invasive mosquito first described in Jamaica by Grabham in 1906. It is currently classified in the Protoculex Group. It was first identified in the U.S. in 2015; its current distribution is unknown because it is so difficult to differentiate it from other mosquito species that are morphologically similar. It has not been reported in association with humans or animal diseases, but Ae. Atlanticus, another mosquito in the Protoculex Group, is a vector of the Keystone virus and the West Nile virus, which have the potential to cause encephalitis and death. Moreover, Ae. serratus, once classified as synonym of Ae. pertinax, was reported infected with yellow fever in Brazil in 2008. Because Ae. pertinax may be a vector and because it has expanded its geographical range, it should be monitored closely. This publication provides a description of the species so that it can be identified and monitored.

Anopheles squamosus (Theobald, 1901) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Culicine)

Valerie T. Nguyen, Olivia R. Magaletta, and Yoosook Lee

The genus Anopheles, the marsh mosquitoes, comprises approximately 500 species, only a few of which are capable of transmitting malaria parasites. With the global consorted efforts to eliminate malaria, some regions and countries are in or are approaching the malaria elimination phase, but residual malaria transmissions still linger in other, malaria pre-elimination countries. These transmissions may be vectored by lesser-known mosquito species such as Anopheles squamosus, one of the most abundantly caught anopheline species in malaria vector surveillance studies in southern African countries. Though An. squamosus is predominantly recognized as a zoophilic species, it has been discovered to be highly anthropophilic in certain areas, particularly in Southern Zambia. Additionally, Plasmodium falciparum, the causal agent of human malaria, has been detected in An. squamosus. These factors position An. squamosus as a potential primary vector of malaria in some pre-elimination zones.

thumbnail for publication: A Concise Guide to the Bionomics and Key Morphological Characteristics for Identifying Culex coronator (Dyar and Knab, 1906)—an Invasive Mosquito Species from the Neotropics

A Concise Guide to the Bionomics and Key Morphological Characteristics for Identifying Culex coronator (Dyar and Knab, 1906)—an Invasive Mosquito Species from the Neotropics

Ana L. Romero-Weaver, Lawrence E. Reeves, Michael T. Riles, Yoosook Lee, and Bryan V. Giordano

Culex coronator Dyar and Knab is a highly invasive Neotropical species, first described at the beginning of the 20th century in Trinidad and Tobago. This is an important invasive species in Florida, that needs to be carefully surveilled by mosquito control experts. This publication is structured like those from Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU; https://www.wrbu.si.edu/) so that readers can obtain a similar level of detail to that offered through WRBU species pages, which are widely used by anyone interested in mosquito biology, research, and education.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

Eric P. Caragata, Yoosook Lee, and Eva A. Buckner

Genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes are controversial, partly because of misinformation. This publication provides science-based information about GM mosquitoes to the public and anyone involved in mosquito control. It explains what GM mosquitoes are and why they are being investigated as a tool for mosquito control. Describes a GM mosquito pilot project in Florida, and includes FAQs and answers explaining how GM mosquitoes are created and their potential impacts on people and the environment.