Decoupling of active and passive reasons for the invasion dynamics of Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae): Comparisons of dispersal history in the Apennine and Florida peninsulas

Aedes albopictus is an important vector of several diseases including dengue‐ and Chikungunya fever and is a potential vector of Zika‐fever. The invasion dynamics of Aedes albopictus was reconsidered by comparing the temperature‐related development of the mosquito with the observed real geographical distribution in Florida and in Italy. The potential number of generations and the annual dispersal distances of the mosquito were calculated for the estimates. The estimated total dispersals are 3.6–4.6 km/year/generation in Italy and 4.6–5.3 km/year/generation in Florida, values that are at least five to six times higher than those derived from release and recapture studies and from the previously measured flying distances of female Asian tiger mosquitoes. Subtracting the calculated dispersal distances with the known active dispersal of female Ae. albopictus, the passive dispersal component of the total dispersal distances was found to be 2.8–4.1 km/year/generation in Italy and 3.8–4.8 km/year/generation in Florida. Our results confirm that the active dispersal of female mosquitoes plays a secondary role in determining the rate of areal expansion and, in contrast, passive factors may play a primary role. It was concluded, based on similar average values of the passive dispersal distances of the mosquito in Florida and Italy, that at large spatial scales the anthropogenic component can be well estimated.     

Dispersal of Monochamus galloprovincialis (Col.: Cerambycidae) as recorded by mark–release–recapture using pheromone traps

The spread of the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophylus (Nematoda; Aphelenchoididae), the causal agent of the pine wilt disease, is greatly constrained to the dispersal of its vectors, long‐horned beetles of the Monochamus genus. Disease spread at global and regional scales has been mainly caused by human‐mediated transport, yet at a local scale, the short‐ and long‐distance dispersal behaviour of the beetles determine colonization dynamics. Three mark–release–recapture experiments using commercial traps and lures allowed the parameterization of the dispersal kernel under two landscape fragmentation scenarios for the only known European PWN vector, Monochamus galloprovincialis. The respective release of 171 and 353 laboratory‐reared beetles in continuous pine stands in 2009 and 2010 resulted in 36% and 28% recapture rates, yet, at a fragmented landscape in 2011, only 2% of the released 473 individuals could be recaptured. Recaptures occurred as soon as 7–14 days after their release, in agreement with the requirement of sexual maturation to respond to the pheromone–kairomone attractants. Data from the first two experiments were fitted to one mechanical and two empirical dispersal models, from which the distance dispersal kernels could be computed. Derived estimated radii enclosing 50% and 99% of dispersing M. galloprovincialis under continuous pine stands ranged between 250–532 m and 2344–3495 m depending on the replicate and choice of model. Forecasted recaptures in 2011 resulted in a moderate underestimation of long‐distance dispersal, probably influenced by the high degree of habitat fragmentation. In addition, trapping parameters such as the effective sampling area (0.57–0.76 ha) or the seasonal sampling range (426–645 m) could be derived. Observed results, derived dispersal kernels and trapping parameters provide valuable information for the integrated pest management of PWD. Furthermore, estimated dispersal distances indicate that ongoing clear‐cut measures for eradication in the European Union are likely ineffective in stopping the vectors dispersal.     

Individually mark–mass release–resight study elucidates effects of patch characteristics and distance on host patch location by an insect herbivore

1. How organisms locate their hosts is of fundamental importance in a variety of basic and applied ecological fields, including population dynamics, invasive species management and biological control. However, tracking movement of small organisms, such as insects, poses significant logistical challenges. 2. Mass‐release and individual–mark–recapture techniques were combined in an individually mark–mass release–resight (IMMRR) approach to track the movement of over 2000 adult insects in an economically important plant–herbivore system. Despite its widespread use for the biological control of the invasive thistle Carduus nutans, the host‐finding behaviour of the thistle head weevil Rhinocyllus conicus has not previously been studied. Insects were released at different distances from a mosaic of artificially created host patches with different areas and number of plants to assess the ecological determinants of patch finding. 3. The study was able to characterize the within‐season dispersal abilities and between‐patch movement patterns of R. conicus. Weevils found host plant patches over 900 m away. Large patches, with tall plants, situated close to the nearest release point had the highest first R. conicus resights. Patch area and plant density had no effect on the number of weevils resighted per plant; however, R. conicus individuals were more likely to disperse out of small patches and into large patches. 4. By understanding how R. conicus locates host patches of C. nutans, management activities for the control of this invasive thistle can be better informed. A deeper mechanistic understanding of host location will also improve prediction of coupled plant–herbivore spatial dynamics in general.     

Recapture of Ips typographus L. (Col., Scolytidae) with attractants of low release rates: localized dispersion and environmental influences

1 The dispersal of Ips typographus L. (Col., Scolytidae) was studied using a mark–release–recapture approach in a grid of traps equipped with pheromone lures of release rates of about 8.4 mg/day of 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol (MB) and 0.29 mg/day of (S)‐cis‐verbenol (cV) in experiment 1, and 1.2 mg/day of MB and 0.04 mg/day of cV in experiment 2. 2 We investigated whether beetle dispersal reflected the simple diffusion pattern observed in previous I. typographus experiments, for which attractant release rates generally approached 50 mg/day of MB and 1 mg/day of cV. We also examined how environmental parameters (wind) and human activities (felling) could influence the beetles' flight. 3 The recapture percentage was higher in experiment 1 than in experiment 2: respectively, 7.0% (with 64 traps) and 2.3% (with 100 traps) of the beetles that took off were caught in the traps. 4 With the higher release rate (experiment 1), trap catches decreased with increased distance, whereas with the lower release rate (experiment 2), trap catches rose between 50 and 100 m then decreased with increasing distance. 5 Flight was little orientated by prevailing wind directions, a feature probably explained by the low wind speeds (0–1.2 m/s) observed throughout the study. 6 High trap catches of unmarked beetles close to areas undergoing thinning activities suggest that the presence of freshly cut spruce and larch material could have an influence on dispersal, attracting the beetles into the felling area. Spatial analyses show that capture patterns were autocorrelated up to distances of about 250 m.     

Spatial and temporal patterns of abundance of Aedes aegypti L. (Stegomyia aegypti) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) [Stegomyia albopictus (Skuse)] in southern Florida

Invasion by mosquito vectors of disease may impact the distribution of resident mosquitoes, resulting in novel patterns of vectors and concomitant risk for disease. One example of such an impact is the invasion by Aedes albopictus (Skuse) [Stegomyia albopictus (Skuse)] (Diptera: Culicidae) of North America and this species' interaction with Aedes aegypti L. (Stegomyia aegypti L). We hypothesized that Ae. aegypti would be found in urban, coastal areas that experience hotter and drier conditions, whereas Ae. albopictus would be more commonly found in suburban and rural areas that are cooler and wetter. In addition, we hypothesized that Ae. aegypti would be more abundant early in the wet season, whereas Ae. albopictus would be more abundant later in the wet season. Urban areas were drier, hotter and contained more Ae. aegypti than suburban or rural areas. Aedes aegypti was relatively more abundant early in the wet season, whereas Ae. albopictus was more abundant in both the late wet season and the dry season. The spatial patterns of inter‐ and intraspecific encounters between these species were also described. The distribution of these mosquitoes is correlated with abiotic conditions, and with temperature, humidity and the relative availability of rain‐filled containers. Understanding the ecological determinants of species distribution can provide insight into the biology of these vectors and important information for their appropriate control.     

Electrophysiological and behavioural response of Aedes albopictus to n‐heinecosane,an ovipositional pheromone of Aedes aegypti

Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) are highly anthropophilic mosquito species and potential vectors of dengue and yellow fever. The location of suitable sites for oviposition requires a set of visual, tactile, and olfactory cues that influence females before they lay their eggs. In this study, the effect of n‐heneicosane, a recognized oviposition pheromone of Ae. aegypti, on the olfactory receptors of the antennae of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was studied using electroantennographic detection coupled to gas chromatography (GC‐EAD). A significant electroantennographic response to n‐heneicosane in adult females of both mosquito species was observed. In addition, gravid Ae. albopictus females laid more eggs in substrate treated with n‐heneicosane at 0.1, 1, or 10 p.p.m. than in the control, denoting oviposition attractancy. Conversely, at 30, 50, 100, and 200 p.p.m., more eggs were laid in the control substrate, indicating oviposition repellency. Analysis of the larval cuticle by GC and mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of n‐heneicosane in the cuticles of Ae. albopictus larvae. The species‐specific role of n‐heneicosane as an oviposition pheromone in Ae. aegypti and its significance as a behaviour modifier of Ae. albopictus in breeding sites is discussed.     

Dispersal of butterflies in a New Guinea rainforest: using mark–recapture methods in a large,homogeneous habitat

相似文献   

Effects of human–livestock–wildlife interactions on habitat in an eastern Kenya rangeland

Human–livestock–wildlife interactions have increased in Kenyan rangelands in recent years, but few attempts have been made to evaluate their impact on the rangeland habitat. This study identified drivers of increased human–livestock–wildlife interactions in the Meru Conservation Area between 1980 and 2000 and their effects on the vegetation community structure. The drivers were habitat fragmentation, decline in pastoral grazing range, loss of wildlife dispersal areas and increase in livestock population density. Agricultural encroachment increased by over 76% in the western zone adjoining Nyambene ranges and the southern Tharaka area, substantially reducing the pastoral grazing range and wildlife dispersal areas. Livestock population increased by 41%, subjecting areas left for pastoral grazing in the northern dispersal area to prolonged heavy grazing that gave woody plant species a competitive edge over herbaceous life‐forms. Consequently, open wooded grassland, which was the dominant vegetation community in 1980, decreased by c. 40% as bushland vegetation increased by 42%. A substantial proportion of agro pastoralists were encountered around Kinna and Rapsu, areas that were predominantly occupied by pastoralists three decades ago, indicating a possible shift in land use in order to spread risks associated with habitat alterations.     

Parity and gonotrophic discordance of females of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the city of São Paulo,SP, Brazil

The objective of this study was to assess the parity, presence of blood in the stomach, and the gonotrophic discordance of females of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus captured in two areas of the city of São Paulo. The captures were undertaken monthly, by aspiration, in the period from January, 2015 to August, 2017. All the females of the two species had their midguts and ovaries dissected to determine the presence of blood and the parity/stage of maturation. With regard to parity, 27% and 34% of the females of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, were parous or were in advanced stages of the development of their ovaries (33% and 27%, respectively). The larger part of the females of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus contained blood in their stomachs (77% and 60%, respectively), beyond which 36% and 27% of the females of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, were in gonotrophic discordance. Our results indicate favorable conditions in the study areas because of the presence of parous females. Moreover, this frequent and multiple contact of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus females with vertebrate hosts, such as humans, increases the possibility of transmitting the viruses they may be carrying.     

Dispersal capacity of Haematopota spp. and Stomoxys calcitrans using a mark–release–recapture approach in Belgium

The dispersion potential of mechanical vectors is an important factor in the dissemination of pathogens. A mark–release–recapture experiment was implemented using two groups (unfed and partially fed) of the Tabanidae (Diptera) (Haematopota spp.) and biting Muscidae (Diptera) (Stomoxys calcitrans) most frequently collected in Belgium in order to evaluate their dispersion potential. In total, 2104 specimens of Haematopota spp. were collected directly from horses and 5396 S. calcitrans were collected in a cattle farm using hand‐nets. Some of these insects were partially fed in vitro and all were subsequently coloured. Overall, 67 specimens of S. calcitrans (1.2%) and 17 of Haematopota spp. (0.8%) were recaptured directly on horses. Stomoxys calcitrans flew maximum distances of 150 m and 300 m when partially fed and unfed, respectively. Haematopota spp. travelled maximum distances of 100 m and 200 m when partially fed and unfed, respectively. Segregation measures seem essential in order to reduce the risk for pathogen transmission. A distance of 150 m appears to be the minimum required for segregation to avoid the risk for mechanical transmission, but in areas of higher vector density, this should probably be increased.     

Satyrization and satyrization‐resistance in competitive displacements of invasive mosquito species

Competitive displacements or reductions of resident populations of insects, often effected by a related species, may be caused by a variety of mechanisms. Satyrization is a form of mating interference in which males of one species mate with females of another species, significantly decreasing their fitness and not generating hybrids. Satyrization has been established to be the probable cause of competitive displacements of resident mosquitoes by invasive species, especially of Aedes aegypti by Aedes albopictus, two important vectors of dengue and chikungunya viruses. Mathematical models predict that even low levels of asymmetric mating interference are capable of producing competitive displacements or reductions. Couplings of virgin Ae. aegypti females with Ae. albopictus males effectively sterilize these females through the monogamizing actions of male accessory gland products, but the converse interspecific mating does not impact the future reproduction of Ae. albopictus females. Populations of Ae. aegypti exposed to satyrization quickly evolve resistance to interspecific mating, which is believed to ameliorate reproductive interference from, and promote co‐existence with, Ae. albopictus. The evolution of satyrization resistance among Ae. aegypti in laboratory cages is accompanied by fitness costs, such as reduced fecundity and slower receptivity to conspecific males. Cage experiments and field observations indicate that Ae. albopictus males are capable of satyrizing females of other species of the Stegomyia subgenus, potentially leading to competitive displacements, and possible extinctions, especially of endemic species on islands. Examination of other examples of reproductive interference in insects reveals few parallels to the mechanism and outcomes of satyrization by Ae. albopictus. We conclude by posing the hypothesis that satyrization may favor the ecological success of Ae. albopictus, and suggest many lines for future research on this phenomenon.     

The mosquitoes of eastern Tennessee: studies on abundance,habitat preferences,and host‐seeking behaviors

A significant increase in the number of reported cases of La Crosse virus (LACV) infections in eastern Tennessee has occurred in the last ten years. The objective of this study was to determine the abundance and habitat preferences of the potential vectors of LACV in this region. Adult host‐seeking mosquitoes were collected using CO₂‐baited CDC light traps and a series of human‐landing catches in eastern Tennessee from 2004 to 2006. A total of 4,200 female mosquitoes of 23 species was collected by CO₂‐baited CDC trapping at ten sites during the study period. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) was the most abundant mosquito collected at all sites and vegetation types, with the ratios of total Ae. albopictus to Ae. triseriatus (Say) females collected being 2.1:1 in 2004, 3.8:1 in 2005, and 4.9:1 in 2006. Ten species were collected during a series of human‐landing catches made at four different sites; one probable and three confirmed case sites of LACV infections, totaling 528 female mosquitoes. Aedes albopictus was the most abundant species collected, with a 4:1 ratio of Ae. albopictus to Ae. triseriatus females. Aedes albopictus exhibited two clear peaks of “landing” activity, one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon or early evening. Simple and multiple regression analyses of the predictors of the number of mosquitoes collected showed that populations of Ae. albopictus were three times more likely to be collected overall than Ae. triseriatus. Species (Ae. albopictus), vegetation (residential), and the previous cumulative precipitation for the four weeks prior to collection were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the number of mosquitoes collected by CO₂‐baited CDC trapping. Aedes albopictus was also more likely to be collected than Ae. triseriatus at confirmed cases of LACV infections.     

Dispersal behaviour of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in avocado groves and estimation of lure sampling range

相似文献   

Attraction of wild‐like and colony‐reared Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera:Tephritidae) to cuelure in the field

The attraction of wild tephritids to semiochemical‐based lures is the ideal basis for trap network design in detection programmes, but in practice, mass‐reared colony insects are usually used to determine trap efficiency. For Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett, a lower response by wild males compared with colony‐derived individuals, usually used to estimate attraction parameters, could mean that the sensitivity of detection networks targeting this pest is reduced. We describe the results of mark–release–recapture experiments with wild‐ and colony‐derived B. cucurbitae males in a grid of cuelure‐baited traps within a macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii Island designed to quantify the attraction of cuelure to each fly type. For colony males, we estimate a 65% probability of capture at 27 m, intermediate with previous estimates on the attraction of methyl eugenol to Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (36 m) and trimedlure to Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (14 m) at the same site. Results suggest similar response over distance by wild‐derived B. cucurbitae compared with colony in the field, but there may be qualitative differences in response between wild and colony based on very low response of wild males in a standard bioassay of attraction. For both fly types, the estimates of attraction in the smaller of two grid sizes tested were lower than for the larger spacing, suggesting trap competition was a factor at an intertrap distance of 75 m. Dispersal patterns within the grid were generally to the south for the colony‐derived males and more variable for the wild‐derived males. In neither case was the direction of recapture correlated with the prevailing direction of the wind.     

Dispersal of single‐ and double‐brood populations of the European earwig,Forficula auricularia: a mark‐recapture experiment

Quantitative information on dispersal of insects should be taken into consideration for making efficient pest management decisions. Such information was not available for the European earwig, Forficula auricularia L. (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), an important biocontrol agent in fruit orchards. A mark‐recapture experiment was carried out in Belgian orchards, where marked earwigs were released at a single point and recaptured after 1 month. Dispersal from this release point was analysed using an analytical formula of a simple diffusion model with disappearance (e.g., as a result of death) derived by Turchin & Thoeny (1993; Quantifying dispersal of southern pine beetles with mark‐recapture experiments and a diffusion model. Ecological Applications 3: 187) . The cumulative number of recaptured earwigs as a function of the distance of release was used to fit the model and estimate parameters. A derived expression, in terms of these parameters, was used to estimate the frequency distribution of the population, as the radius of a circle enclosing various proportions of the earwigs’ dispersal distances. In Belgium, populations of the European earwig can have two life‐history strategies, single‐ (SBP) and double‐brood populations (DBP). Therefore, mark‐recapture experiments were carried out on both population types. We fitted data from SBP (n = 10) and DBP (n = 16) successfully in both the diffusion model and in an exponential curve. Because of the biological relevance, estimates of the diffusion model were used for calculating the frequency distributions. Males and females dispersed the same distances. No differences were found between orchards with different spatial structures (apple and pear). According to literature data, mobility of earwigs is very low compared with other arthropods, which has consequences for the efficiency of biocontrol interventions, like mass releases of earwigs or the use of hedgerows for the establishment of healthy (source) populations. Quantitative results revealed that earwigs of SBP dispersed four times further than earwigs of double‐brood populations. For instance, 95% of the population remained within a radius of 28.6 m in SBP and 7.54 m in DBP.     

Effect of plant barriers and citrus leaf age on dispersal of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Studies designed to measure dispersal capacity of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) are needed to provide the epidemiological knowledge necessary to improve management of citrus huanglongbing. In this study, a mark–release–recapture technique was used to investigate whether 1) host or non‐host plants of D. citri can act as barriers for dispersing insects and 2) presence or absence of young citrus leaves influence movement of D. citri towards citrus plants. The experimental field consisted of four circular and adjacent areas containing citrus trees, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. ‘Hamlin’, planted in concentric circles at 18, 24 and 30 m from the release centre. Insect activity was monitored by recapturing at each distance using yellow stick traps. Dense plantings of tall non‐host plants of D. citri such as corn had no effect on insect dispersal towards citrus plants when compared to a shorter cover crop such as grass. In contrast, suitable host plants acted as traps decreasing movement of D. citri. Diaphorina citri dispersed at greater speeds in the absence of young leaves reaching 140 m within 6 hours after release, whereas in the presence of young leaves, individuals reached at most 60 m at 1 day after release. Results suggest that D. citri control measures may be more efficient during periods of highest vegetative activity when insects are less active. Moreover, the use of suitable host plants for D. citri as trap plants may be a potential tactic to prevent movement of insects into the crop.     

Sex‐specific estimates of dispersal show female philopatry and male dispersal in a promiscuous amphibian,the alpine salamander (Salamandra atra)

Amphibians display wide variations in life‐history traits and life cycles that should prove useful to explore the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal, but quantitative data on sex‐specific dispersal patterns are scarce. Here, we focused on Salamandra atra, an endemic alpine species showing peculiar life‐history traits. Strictly terrestrial and viviparous, the species has a promiscuous mating system, and females reproduce only every 3 to 4 years. In the present study, we provide quantitative estimates of asymmetries in male vs. female dispersal using both field‐based (mark–recapture) and genetic approaches (detection of sex‐biased dispersal and estimates of migration rates based on the contrast in genetic structure across sexes and age classes). Our results revealed a high level of gene flow among populations, which stems exclusively from male dispersal. We hypothesize that philopatric females benefit from being familiar with their natal area for the acquisition and defence of an appropriate shelter, while male dispersal has been secondarily favoured by inbreeding avoidance. Together with other studies on amphibians, our results indicate that a species' mating system alone is a poor predictor of sex‐linked differences in dispersal, in particular for promiscuous species. Further studies should focus more directly on the proximate forces that favour or limit dispersal to refine our understanding of the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal in animals.     

Spatial patterns of sterile Mediterranean fruit fly dispersal

The success of the sterile insect technique (SIT) for the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), depends largely on the ability of sterile flies to spread in the target area and compete with the wild males for wild females. Our objectives in the present study were three‐fold: (1) to evaluate the dispersal ability of sterile male medflies and compare their spatial dispersion patterns with that of wild males, (2) to evaluate how different release methods affect subsequent spatial dispersal, and (3) to determine whether manipulating the pre‐release diet of sterile males affects their dispersal. To achieve these objectives, we conducted three experiments in the field where we quantified and analyzed the spatial and temporal dispersal patterns of sterile medflies and the dispersion of resident wild males. Overall, ca. 5% of the released sterile flies were recaptured 100 m from the release point, and ca. 2% were recaptured 200 m from the release point. The released flies rarely survived longer than 5–7 days. We repeatedly found that the spatial dispersion patterns of sterile males significantly correlated with those of wild males. Release methods strongly affected subsequent fly dispersal in the field as significantly more flies were recaptured following a scattered release vs. a central one. Finally, we show that enriching sterile fly pre‐release diet with protein did not affect subsequent dispersal in the field. We conclude that sterile males are able to match the dispersion patterns of wild males, an outcome that is highly important for SIT success. Large releases from central points distant from each other may leave many areas uncovered. Accordingly, scattered releases, repeated twice a week, will provide better coverage of all available aggregations sites. The spatial performance of protein‐fed males suggests that pre‐release diet amendments may be used without detriment as a sexual stimulant in SIT programs.     

Dispersal ability in codling moth: mark–release–recapture experiments and kinship analysis

• 1 The present study focused on the dispersal patterns in the codling moth because such information is fundamental for determining the dynamics and genetics of the pest populations and for developing efficient management programmes.
• 2 We implemented mark–release–recapture experiments (MRR) with both male and female codling moths of two laboratory and one wild population using a sex pheromone and pear ester as attractants in delta traps. The experiments were conducted in apple orchards in central Greece over two consecutive years (2007–2008). In addition, kinship assignment tests were applied on 303 genotyped individuals (11 microsatellite loci) from two contiguous apple orchards in central Greece aiming to estimate the dispersal of fertilized females.
• 3 Both MRR and kinship analysis revealed that most male and female adults dispersed within 80 m, whereas some individuals moved at longer distances (maximum distance of approximately 200 m). A Bayesian analysis on microsatellite data revealed that exchange rates of codling moths between neighbouring orchards ranged among generations from 17.6 to 32.7%. The exchange rate between these orchards estimated by kinship analysis was 25.6% over all generations.
• 4 The collected data confirm the view of the sedentary nature of coding moth and indicate that genotypes able to migrate at long distances are not present in the studied area. The availability of food resources within orchards during the growing season is one possible factor that could favour this sedentary behaviour.

     

Heterozygosity–fitness correlations in a wild mammal population: accounting for parental and environmental effects

HFCs (heterozygosity–fitness correlations) measure the direct relationship between an individual's genetic diversity and fitness. The effects of parental heterozygosity and the environment on HFCs are currently under‐researched. We investigated these in a high‐density U.K. population of European badgers (Meles meles), using a multimodel capture–mark–recapture framework and 35 microsatellite loci. We detected interannual variation in first‐year, but not adult, survival probability. Adult females had higher annual survival probabilities than adult males. Cubs with more heterozygous fathers had higher first‐year survival, but only in wetter summers; there was no relationship with individual or maternal heterozygosity. Moist soil conditions enhance badger food supply (earthworms), improving survival. In dryer years, higher indiscriminate mortality rates appear to mask differential heterozygosity‐related survival effects. This paternal interaction was significant in the most supported model; however, the model‐averaged estimate had a relative importance of 0.50 and overlapped zero slightly. First‐year survival probabilities were not correlated with the inbreeding coefficient (f); however, small sample sizes limited the power to detect inbreeding depression. Correlations between individual heterozygosity and inbreeding were weak, in line with published meta‐analyses showing that HFCs tend to be weak. We found support for general rather than local heterozygosity effects on first‐year survival probability, and g2 indicated that our markers had power to detect inbreeding. We emphasize the importance of assessing how environmental stressors can influence the magnitude and direction of HFCs and of considering how parental genetic diversity can affect fitness‐related traits, which could play an important role in the evolution of mate choice.