Parasites and Vectors (2021) 14 (339) - Aedes species (Diptera:

M.M. Guarido, M.A. Riddin, T. Johnson, L.E.O. Braack, M. Schrama, E.E. Gorsich, B.D. Brooke, A.P.G. Almeida and Marietjie Venter (2021)
Aedes species (Diptera: Culicidae) ecological and host feeding patterns in the north-eastern parts of South Africa, 2014–2018
Parasites and Vectors 14 (339)
Abstract:
Background
There is a paucity of recent data and knowledge on mosquito diversity and potential vectors of arboviruses in South Africa, with most of the available data dating back to the 1950s–1970s. Aedes and Culex species are the major vectors of some of the principal arboviruses which have emerged and re-emerged in the past few decades.
Methods
In this study we used entomological surveillance in selected areas in the north-eastern parts of South Africa from 2014 to 2018 to assess mosquito diversity, with special emphasis on the Aedes species. The impact of trap types and environmental conditions was also investigated. Identification of the blood meal sources of engorged females collected during the study period was carried out, and DNA barcodes were generated for selected species.
Results
Overall, 18.5% of the total Culicidae mosquitoes collected belonged to the genus Aedes, with 14 species recognised or suspected vectors of arboviruses. Species belonging to the Neomelaniconion subgenus were commonly collected in the Bushveld savanna at conservation areas, especially Aedes mcintoshi and Aedes circumluteolus. Aedes aegypti was present in all sites, albeit in low numbers. Temperature was a limiting factor for the Aedes population, and they were almost exclusively collected at temperatures between 18 °C and 27 °C. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) barcode fragment was amplified for 21 Aedes species, and for nine of these species it was the first sequence information uploaded on GenBank.
Conclusion
This study provides a better understanding of the diversity and relative abundance of Aedes species in the north-east of South Africa. The information provided here will contribute to future arboviral research and implementation of efficient vector control and prevention strategies.
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Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Todd Johnson, Leo Braack, Maarten Schrama, Basil D. Brooke

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aedes aegypti		South Africa
	Aedes circumluteolus		South Africa
	Aedes mcintoshi		South Africa
	Aedes vittatus		South Africa
	Aedes fowleri		South Africa
	Aedes ochraceus		South Africa
	Aedes dentatus		South Africa
	Aedes hirsutus		South Africa