Relationship between leaf litter identity, expression of cytochrome P450 genes and life history traits of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus

► Leaf phytochemicals affect the interactions between Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus. ► Traits and CYP expression of both mosquitoes under leaf infusion were determined. ► Performance of both species in pine and maple was poorer than in others. ► Up regulation of CYP6Z6 and CYP9M9 correlates with toxicity of maple. ► Tolerating toxic phytochemicals by both mosquitoes are associated with a fitness cost.