Swarms of genetically modified mosquitoes could soon be descending on Florida

Tags: Field trials, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified mosquitoes, North America, Oxitec
A. J. Dellinger, Mic, 2020.

Mosquitoes are best known for being a scourge responsible for everything from itch-inducing bites to the spread of dangerous diseases. That’s not to say that they are without purpose, as many mosquitoes help pollinate plants and serve a vital role as a food source to fish, birds, and other predators above them on the food chain. But for the most part, mosquitoes are a pain in the ass, so much so that the Environmental Protection Agency has approved a new and controversial field test aimed at curbing their population. The plan is to release genetically modified mosquitoes that over time will lead to fewer regular mosquitoes.