Diversity of cave Phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) from a Colombian cave

Sandflies are vector species of Leishmania, among many other pathogens, with a global distribution and a variety of ecological niches. Previous samplings have found that karstic formations (i.e., caves and folds formed by the erosion of limestone) serve as a natural habitat to sandfly species. The majority of samplings of cave sandfly diversity have occurred in Brazil and to date none have studied the species composition in a cave in the Northern Andes. We collected sandflies in the Cave-Los Guacharos-, in the state of Antioquia, Colombia. The sampling was carried out during two consecutive nights in September 2019. CDC-type light traps were installed inside the cavern and in other surrounding karst systems (caves and folds). In total, we identified 18 species of sandfly from the cave and surrounding karst systems, including three new records for Colombia (Bichromomyia olmeca nociva, Brumptomyia brumpti, and Warileya leponti), and provide the first karstic reports for four other species (Lutzomyia gomezi, Lutzomyia hartmanni, Pintomyia ovallesi, and Psychodopygus panamensis). We then used the results of our survey and published literature to test two hypotheses. First, that sandfly diversity in Neotropical caves is richest nearer to the equator and second that there is a phylogenetic signal of karstic habitat use in sandflies. Counter to our predictions, we found no evidence that diversity follows a latitudinal gradient. Further, we find no evidence of a phylogenetic signal of karstic habitat use, instead finding that the use of caves likely evolved multiple times across several genera. Our results highlight the importance of a wide sampling to understand the natural habitat of sandflies and other disease vectors.

Entomological surveillance of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), vectors of arboviruses, in an ecotourism park in Cachoeiras de Macacu, state of Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil

Arboviruses are arthropod-dependent viruses to complete their zoonotic cycle. Among the transmitting arthropods, culicids stand out, which participate in the cycle of several arboviruses that can affect humans. The present study aimed to identify species of culicidae and to point out the risk of circulation, emergency, or reemergence of pathogenic arboviruses to humans in the region of the Jequitibá headquarters of the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos (PETP), in Cachoeiras de Macacu, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sampling was carried out at five Sample Points (SP) demarcated on trails from the headquarters, with CDC light traps, HP model with dry ice attached to the side, for 48 hours of activity each month. Additionally, active catches were made with a castro catcher in the period of one hour per day in the field, from six to eleven o’clock in the morning, in each PM. After the captures, thematic map was assembled using the ArcGIS 10 software and performing a multidimensional scaling (MDS). A total of 1151 specimens were captured and the presence of culicids already incriminated as vectors of arboviruses circulating in the region was observed: Aedes fluviatilis Lutz, 1904 (71 specimens); Aedes scapularis Rondani, 1848 (55 specimens); Haemagogus leococelaenus Dyar and Shannon, 1924 (29 specimens). In addition to the subgenus Culex (culex) spp. (163 specimens). In this sense, we highlight the importance of strengthening the actions of continuous entomological surveillance of the emergence and re-emergence of new arboviruses in ecotourism visitation parks.

Comparing Light—Emitting—Diodes Light Traps for Catching Anopheles Mosquitoes in a Forest Setting, Western Thailand

Light traps are a common method for attracting and collecting arthropods, including disease vectors such as mosquitoes. Various types of traps have been used to monitor mosquitoes in a forest in Western Thailand. In this study, four Light Emitting Diodes (LED) light sources (UV, blue, green, and red) and two fluorescent lights (white and UV) were used to trap nocturnal adult mosquitoes. These traps were used with light alone and not any additional attractant. The experiment was conducted from 18:00 to 06:00 h. on six consecutive nights, every two months, across dry, wet, and cold seasons. All specimens were first identified by morphological features and subsequently confirmed by using PCR. We collected a total of 873 specimens of 31 species in four genera, Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, and Armigeres. Anopheles harrisoni was the predominant species, followed by Aedes albopictus, Culex brevipalpis, Culex nitropunctatus, and Armigeres (Leicesteria) longipalpis. UV fluorescent light was the most effective light source for capturing forest mosquitoes, followed by UV LED, blue LED, green LED, white fluorescent, and red LED. The optimal times for collection were from 21:00 to 03:00 h in the dry season. Our results demonstrate that appropriate sampling times and light sources should be selected for optimal efficiency in vector surveillance programs.

Laboratory and Greenhouse Performance of Five Commercial Light Traps for Capturing Mosquitoes in China

ABSTRACT Mosquito light traps for household use are popular because they are small, cheap, user friendly, and environment friendly. At present, there are many variations and specifications of mosquito traps intended for household use on the market. The light traps claim they are powerful, but research and evaluation are lacking. Key parameters such as capture rates in the laboratory and field of 5 popular mosquito traps were evaluated as intended for household use. This study found that in the laboratory experiments, the capture rate of the mosquito traps selected was between 34.7% and 65.0%. Field tests in greenhouses found that the 5 mosquito traps had high catch rates for Culex quinquefasciatus. The percentage of Cx. quinquefasciatus, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles sinensis, and other flying insects captured was 51.76%, 25.29%, 14.12%, and 8.82%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the capture rate of Ae. albopictus and An. sinensis by the 5 mosquito traps in the greenhouse, but a significant difference in the catch rate of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The analysis showed that the fan speed and design of the air guide of the traps are important factors that affect the mosquito catch rate and that the ultraviolet wavelength (395–400 nm) used by the traps did not impact mosquito catch rates. Therefore, the mosquito traps intended for household use can be improved by adjusting the fan speed and optimizing the air guide.

Management of Needle-Eating Caterpillars Associated with Pinus massoniana and P. merkusii in Vietnam

Pine tussock moth (Dasychira axutha Collenette (Lymantriidae)) and masson pine caterpillar (Dendrolimus punctatus Walker (Lasiocampidae)) cause serious damage to Pinus massoniana and P. merkusii plantations in Vietnam. An integrated pest management (IPM) program is required to control these pests. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify damage thresholds and to evaluate control options for implementing IPM in the Northeast and North Central regions of Vietnam. Three damage thresholds were considered: <25%, 25–50% and >50% loss of leaf area. Control options were manual collection of eggs and pupae and the use of light traps and biological agents. An initial IPM model was developed for each pest and these gave control efficacies of 82.4% (Da. axutha on P. massoniana) and 77.8% (De. punctatus on P. merkusii). Six extended IPM models were undertaken by forest companies giving pest control efficacies of 79.2–85.9%. The collection of pine resin provides an important source of income to local communities and the resin yield in the IPM models increased by 20.9–22.7% compared to untreated control plots. The IPM protocols would help in developing policies that promote a more sustainable management of forest pests in Vietnam, thus reducing dependence on the use of insecticides of environmental and public health concerns.

A Review of Alternative Controls for House Flies

House flies are the most prevalent synanthropic pest worldwide. Although they seldom reproduce in homes, they invade buildings, cause annoyance, and carry pathogens. Urban pest management personnel are limited in their ability to locate and manage larval habitats, so most house fly management in urban settings focuses on adult fly suppression. Sanitation is probably the most critical component, eliminating odors that attract flies. Source reduction applies where larval habitats can be identified and eliminated. Exclusion involves keeping flies out of structures. Despite all efforts, flies will manage to enter the human environment, so exclusion includes air curtains, fans, screened windows, and doors. Ultraviolet light traps attract and immobilize, while window traps entice flies into devices that entrap them. Sticky tubes and ribbons rely on flies’ inclination to land on vertical lines to entangle them in glue. Even low-tech fly swatters can play significant roles in eliminating individual flies. Timed-release aerosol pyrethrin dispensers can be effective against flies confined in enclosed spaces. Toxic baits have limited use in urban settings. Chemical suppression remains a critical component of fly IPM, essential in situations requiring immediate fly elimination.

Molecular Detection of Bartonella sp. in Psathyromyia shannoni and Lutzomyia cruciata From Northeastern Mexico

Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of Leishmania spp., Bartonella bacilliformis, and several arboviruses worldwide. In Mexico, the presence of Bartonella species is associated sporadically with arthropods and little is known on the diversity of insects that could be incriminated with its transmission. The aim of this study was to perform a molecular detection of Bartonella DNA in sand fly species collected in northeastern Mexico. Sand flies were collected at the states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas from June to August 2010, using 16 light traps per night. Sand fly species were morphologically identified, and for Bartonella detection, we amplified ~378 bp of the citrate synthase gene (gltA). DNA sequences were compared in a phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum likelihood. A total of 532 specimens from seven sand fly species were morphologically identified, where 11 specimens from Tamaulipas tested positive for the presence of a new lineage of Bartonella sp. associated with Psathyromyia shannoni and Lutzomyia cruciata. This work represents the second record of Bartonella-associated with sand flies outside of the endemic area of Carrion’s disease. More studies are necessary to understand their life cycle, transmission dynamics, and their relationship with sand fly species.