The GPROP3 gene controls larval negative phototaxis in Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and shows structural and regulatory conservation across invasive Aedes species

Mosquito larvae depend on light detection for predator evasion and habitat selection; however, the molecular functions underlying larval photoreception remain largely unexplored. In this paper, we describe in detail the long-wavelength-sensitive opsin GPROP3 in Aedes mosquitoes by investigating its evolutionary conservation, expression patterns, and functional role in phototactic behavior. Using phylogenetic analyses, expression profiling across different developmental stages and tissues, and functional RNAi assays, we show that GPROP3 is required for larval negative phototaxis. These studies demonstrate stage-specific expression patterns and light-dependent subcellular dynamics and identify GPROP3 as a principal photosensor necessary for larval survival behaviors. These findings advance understanding of mosquito larval sensory systems and indicate their potential for vector control strategies targeting early developmental stages.