Principles of semi-field study design to obtain realistic data about the effects of anthropogenic climate change on the biological and ecological Traits of Culex pipiens (L.)

Abstract

Mosquitoes, representing an ectothermic metazoan parasite, are hypothesized to be highly affected by concurrent climate change. It is also particularly emphasized that field-based data from the studies conducted under realistically fluctuating natural conditions are needed to perform accurate measurements of the impact of such climate effects. For this purpose, a specific greenhouse unit was established in a highly endemic natural habitat of Culex pipiens located on the Tekirdag Namik Kemal University campus. This protocol description-based study was performed in order to reveal a detailed application process of a semi field study unit as well as to underline particular advantages and drawbacks of such units, which were designed for the purpose of obtaining field data, and finally to prompt certain related suggestions. In the preparation of the study documentation, protocols and studies on a sample unit were taken into account in order to base the principles on realistic data.