Morphological and genetic analyses of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) okinawense Takaoka and S. (G.) tokarense Takaoka (Diptera: Simuliidae) from the Nansei Islands, Japan: redescription and transfer from the S. ceylonicum species-group to the S. asakoae species-group

@#Simulium (Gomphostilbia) okinawense Takaoka and S. (G.) tokarense Takaoka, both from the Nansei Islands, Japan, were morphologically reexamined and genetically analysed by using the COI gene sequences. The female, male, pupa and mature larva of the two species are redescribed. Morphological reexamination shows that both species are more similar to species in the S. asakoae species-group than to those in the S. ceylonicum species-group, by having a medium-long female sensory vesicle, yellow tuft hairs (S. (G.) okinawense) or yellow tuft hairs mixed with a few to several dark hairs (S. (G.) tokarense) at the base of the radial vein in the female and male, and medium-long larval postgenal cleft. However, the body of the male ventral plate (viewed ventrally) is parallel-sided (S. (G.) okinawense) or parallelsided or slightly narrowed (S. (G.) tokarense) and not emarginated basally, differing from those of most species in the S. asakoae species-group. Our genetic analysis shows that S. (G.) tokarense is in the S. asakoae species-group, and S. (G.) okinawense formed a separate sister clade with other members of the S. asakoae species-group with high bootstrap support. From the results of morphological and genetic analysis combined, S. (G.) okinawense and S. (G.) tokarense are transferred from the S. ceylonicum species-group to the S. asakoae species-group.

Descriptions of adults of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) sachini Takaoka & Henry and S. (G.) williei Takaoka & Thapa in the S. (G.) gombakense species-group (Diptera: Simuliidae) from India

@#The Simulium gombakense species-group, one of the 15 species-groups of the subgenus Gomphostilbia Enderlein, is small, being represented by only 12 species, all of which are distributed in the Oriental Region. It is characterized by the pupal gill composed of an inflated structure and eight or ten slender filaments. Among the 12 species, S. sachini Takaoka & Henry, and S. williei Takaoka & Thapa were originally described from two pupae, and one pupa and two larvae, respectively, from Darjeeling, India. In the present paper, the adult females and males of these species are described for the first time from specimens reared from pupae collected at the type locality. Simulium sachini is distinctive in the female by the claw with a medium-sized basal tooth, and in the male by the somewhat enlarged, spindleshaped hind basitarsus and ventral plate with its ventral margin much depressed medially, while S. williei is characterized by the small number of male upper-eye (large) facets in 12 vertical columns and 13 or 14 horizontal rows and ventral plate much produced posteroventrally. Taxonomic notes are given to separate these two species in the adult stage from their related species.

A male black fly of Simulium (Simulium) iwatense (Shiraki) (Diptera: Simuliidae) with genitalia-like appendages on abdominal segment 8

@#A rare non-sex mosaic abnormality represented by genitalia-like appendages on the ventral surface of abdominal segment 8 of a male black fly collected in Hokkaido, Japan, is reported. The appendages consist of a pair of style-like projections each arising from a coxite-like base, inverted-Y shaped ventral plate-like structure, and isolated round structure. This male was morphologically and molecularly identified as an abnormal form of S. (S.) iwatense (Shiraki), the only species in the Simulium (Simulium) ornatum species-group in Japan, although certain morphological characteristics of this male including the reduced number of uppereye (large) facets and elongate cerci are different from those of S. (S.) iwatense.

Oncocercosis: de lo básico a lo clínico / Onchocerciasis: From basics to clinical / Oncocercose: do básico ao clínico

La oncocercosis es una de las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas, producida por el nemátodo filárico Onchocerca volvulus y transmitida por la picadura de la mosca negra del género Simulium. Es considerada la segunda causa mundial de ceguera prevenible y está presente en 35 naciones de tres continentes: África, América y Asia. Existen tres países declarados libres de oncocercosis: Colombia, Ecuador y México. Las principales manifestaciones clínicas son dermatológicas y oculares; sin embargo, también se han descrito alteraciones linfáticas y neurológicas. El diagnóstico se realiza por identificación de microfilarias en biopsia de piel o esclerocorneal, nodulectomía para buscar gusanos adultos o con lámpara de hendidura y observar el parásito en el ojo. Existe tratamiento farmacológico con ivermectina o quirúrgico con extracción directa de los nemátodos adultos de los oncocercomas. Los programas mundiales se basan en control vectorial y farmacoterapia. Con los conocimientos actuales y esfuerzos mundiales, la oncocercosis continúa siendo un grave problema de salud pública y causa de discapacidad. Por estas razones, se hace necesario una actualización en el tema.

Onchocerciasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases; it is produced by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus and is transmitted through the bites of infected black flies of the Simulium genus. It is considered the second leading cause of preventable blindness and is present in 35 countries on three continents: Africa, America, and Asia. The following three countries have been declared free from onchocerciasis: Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico. The main clinical manifestations are dermatological and ocular; however, lymphatic and neurological alterations have also been described. Diagnosis is made by identification of microfilariae in skin or sclerocorneal biopsy, by nodulectomy in search of adult worms, or by using a slit lamp to observe the parasite in the eye. There is pharmacological treatment through the use of ivermectin or surgical treatment by direct removal of adult nematodes from the onchocercomas. World programs are based on vector control and drug therapy. Despite current knowledge and global efforts, onchocerciasis remains a serious public health issue and an important cause of disability. Thus, an update on the topic is warranted.

A oncocercose é uma das doenças tropicais desatendidas, produzida pelo nemátodo filárico Onchocerca volvulus e transmitida pela picada da mosca negra do gênero Simulium. É considerada a segunda causa mundial de cegueira evitáveis e está presente em 35 nações de três continentes: África, América e Ásia. Existem três países declarados livres de oncocercose: Colômbia, Equador e México. As principais manifestações clínicas são dermatológicas e oculares; apesar disso, também se há descrito alterações linfáticas e neurológicas. O diagnóstico se realiza por identificação de microfilárias em biopsia da pele ou esclerocorneano, nodulectomia para buscar larva adultas ou com lâmpada de fenda e observar o parasita no olho. Existe tratamento farmacológico com ivermectina ou cirúrgico com extração direta dos nemátodos adultos dos oncocercomas. Os programas mundiais se baseiam no controle vectorial e farmacoterapia. Com os conhecimentos atuais e esforços mundiais, a oncocercose continua sendo um grave problema de saúde pública e causa de deficiência. Por estas razões, se faz necessário uma atualização no assunto.

Evidence of phenotypic plasticity of larvae of Simulium subpallidum Lutz in different streams from the Brazilian Cerrado

In this paper, the overall morphological differences between populations of Simulium subpallidum Lutz, 1909 are studied. Several studies found in the literature point to a relationship between the labral fans and body size and the habitat where blackfly larvae occur. However, other characteristics potentially related to the microhabitat, such as abdominal hook circlet morphology, which is used for larvae to fix themselves in the substratum, and thoracic prolegs morphology, which help larvae move in the substratum, were analyzed in three different populations of S. subpallidum, one of which occupied a faster flow. The results suggest phenotypic plasticity in S. subpallidum and a tendency toward larger structures in faster flows.

COMPORTAMIENTO DE OVIPOSICIÓN Y CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA MICROESTRUCTURA CORIONICA DE LOS HUEVOS DE Simulium dinelliii (Joan) (Diptera: Simuliidae) / Oviposition Behavior and Microstructure of the Eggs of Simulium dinellii (Joan) (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Little is known about the oviposition habits and egg structure of Neotropical members of the Simuliidae family. The oviposition behavior of Simulium dinellii (Joan) was observed near at Otún Quimbaya, Colombia. Small groups of females hovered about 2 cm above the water surface to oviposit. Some of these females had been capture and the eggs were obtained. These eggs were counted, measured and processed by scanning electron microscopy. Subtriangular eggs had a latticework of polygons on the endochorionic surface. Chorionic differences between the eggs of S. dinellii and the few previously studied species suggest potential taxonomic value of egg microstructure.

El conocimiento sobre los hábitos de oviposición y estructura de los huevos de la familia Simuliidae es muy escaso. En este estudio se observó el comportamiento de oviposición de Simulium dinellii (Joan) en quebradas cercanas al Santuario de fauna y flora Otún Quimbaya, Colombia. El cual consistió en la formación de pequeños grupos de hembras que sobrevolaban a 2 cm de la superficie del agua para ovipositar, algunas de estas hembras fueron colectadas, obteniendo así los huevos, los cuales fueron contados, medidos y procesados por Microscopia Electrónica de Barrido con el fin de caracterizar la estructura endocoriónica. Los huevos presentaron una forma subtriangular, con una entramado poligonal sobre la superficie. Las características morfológicas observadas en los huevos de S. dinellii fueron diferentes a las previamente reportadas en otras especies de la familia Simuliidae, sugiriendo un posible valor taxonómico de la microestructura del huevo.

Dermatitis de pabellón auricular por picadura de jerjeles: Una entidad clínica diferente no descrita / Dermatitis of the pinna by puncture of the black fly: A different clinical disease not yet described

Introducción: La picadura de jerjeles o simúlidos de la cara anterior del pabellón auricular presenta características clínicas diferente a las picaduras del mismo insecto en la piel del resto del cuerpo y requiere también un tratamiento diferente. Estos hechos no han sido descritos en la literatura. Objetivos: El objetivo es detallar los síntomas y signos de estas picaduras y las causas de las diferencias clínicas y de su tratamiento. Material y método: Para ello se hace el estudio y análisis de 6 pacientes aquejados por picaduras de jerjeles en la cara anterior de la oreja. Se investiga la biología de estos simúlidos. Finalmente se hace una revisión de la histología de la piel que recubre el cartílago auricular. Resultados: El síntoma principal de todos los pacientes fue un intenso dolor y edema de la oreja que les impedía dormir. La razón principal de estos síntomas es la íntima adhesión del dermis al cartílago auricular y que forma el pericondrio de éste, además de las múltiples toxinas salivales del insecto que tienen propiedades anticoagulantes, vasodilatadoras, e inhibidoras de la inmunidad celular. Conclusiones: Las plagas de jerjeles y sus picaduras serán cada vez más numerosas en Chile debido al calentamiento global, la destrucción de los ecosistemas por el hombre que han ido eliminando sus enemigos naturales y la contaminación de la casi totalidad de ríos y lagos de nuestro país. Para el tratamiento de las picaduras de jerjeles del pabellón auricular es necesario recurrir al uso de corticoesteroides en dosis altas y por períodos breves de menos de una semana.

Introduction: Puncture of the black fly or dipteral simuliidae on the external surface of the ear auricle shows clinical characteristics which differ from the puncture of this same insect on other different parts of the body Thus, it requires a different treatment, as well. These facts have not been clinically described yet, therefore, there is no literature available on this topic. Aim: To describe symptoms and signs of this disease.To outline the causes of the clinical differences and medical treatment. Material and method: Study and analysis of six patients suffering from puncture of black fly on the surface of ear auricle are carried out. The biology of these insects is studied. A revision of the histology of the skin of the ear auricle is made Results: The main symptoms experimented by patients suffering from black fly puncture are: excruciating pain and severe edema on the auricle area. The pain even prevents them from sleeping. The main cause of these symptoms is that the skin on the external surface of the auricle is firmly attaches to the underlying cartilage. Besides, the countless toxins inoculated in the saliva of the fly contain not only anticoagulant agents but also produce vasodilatation of capillaries and inhibit cellular immunity. Conclusions: The black fly plague and its infectious and painful puncture will be on the increase in Chile due to: global warming; elimination of the natural predators of this insect; man induced pollution of the majority of lakes and rivers in the country. The medical treatment for black fly puncture indicates corticosteroids in high dose for a short period of time (under a week).

Checklist de Simuliidae (Insecta, Diptera) do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Checklist of Simuliidae (Insecta, Diptera) from São Paulo State, Brazil

Nesse artigo é fornecida uma lista de espécies de Simuliidae do Estado de São Paulo. Até o momento 52 espécies estão registradas para o estado, o que representa mais de 50% de todas as espécies de borrachudos conhecidas para o Brasil. São discutidos aspectos da riqueza de espécies no Estado de São Paulo e em diferentes regiões brasileiras.

In this paper it is provided a checklist of Simuliidae species in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. There are 52 species recorded for the state, which represents more than 50% of all black fly known species in Brazil. It is also presented data about the Simuliidae species richness in the State of São Paulo as well as in different regions of Brazil.

Investigation of the occurrence of Mansonella ozzardi in the State of Rondônia, Western Amazonia, Brazil / Investigação da ocorrência da Mansonella ozzardi no Estado de Rondônia, Amazônia Ocidental

INTRODUCTION: Mansonella ozzardi, a human filarial nematode transmitted by Diptera Simuliidae flies (black flies), is widely spread in the Amazon, while the occurrence of mansonelliasis in the State of Rondônia (Western Amazonia) has not been reported thus far. The existence of this parasitic disease in this state is investigated in this study. METHODS: A total of 4,452 people who lived alongside the Madeira, Mamore, Guapore, Machado and Preto Rivers, in the State of Rondônia, were examined using the thick blood smear method. Alongside the Machado and Guapore rivers, 2,112 adult simuliid specimens were captured. RESULTS: Infected people were not reported, although simuliids with vector potential such as Cerqueirellum pydanielli, C. argentiscutum and C. amazonicum were found. CONCLUSIONS: This study registered no infected people. This finding may be explained by the individuals' low level of microfilaremia that is below the limit of detection of the diagnostic method used in the study or insufficient migration of people infected with M. ozzardi from endemic areas, making it impossible to introduce the disease into Rondônia. Further studies using more sensitive diagnostic techniques could shed light on this question.

INTRODUÇÃO: Mansonella ozzardi é uma filária humana que tem como vetor dípteros simulídeos e é amplamente distribuída na Amazônia. Não há informações sobre a ocorrência de casos de mansonelose no Estado de Rondônia, e neste trabalho procurou-se investigar a situação epidemiológica desta parasitose em áreas urbanas e ribeirinhas na Amazônia Ocidental. MÉTODOS: Foram examinados 4.452 moradores às margens dos rios Madeira, Mamoré, Guaporé, Machado e Preto em Rondônia, através da técnica da gota espessa de sangue. Capturou-se às margens do rio Machado e Guaporé 2.112 simulídeos adultos das espécies Cerqueirellum pydanieli e Chirostilbia pertinax. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas pessoas infectadas com M. ozzardi e foram encontradas diferentes espécies de simulídeos com potencial de transmissão da mansonelose. CONCLUSÕES: Não foram encontrados indivíduos infectados com M. ozzardi neste estudo. Este fato pode ser explicado pela existência de pacientes com baixas microfilaremias, associado à técnica diagnóstica de baixa sensibilidade utilizada no estudo. Pode-se ainda aventar a possibilidade de ter ocorrido migração insuficiente de pacientes infectados de áreas endêmicas, impossibilitando a implantação da endemia. Estudos posteriores com técnicas diagnósticas mais sensíveis podem ajudar a esclarecer esta questão.

Prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi among riverine communities in the municipality of Lábrea, State of Amazonas, Brazil / Prevalências de Mansonella ozzardi entre comunidades ribeirinhas do município de Lábrea, Estado do Amazonas

INTRODUCTION: Estimate the prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi infection and calculate the parasitic infection rate (PIR) in simuliid black flies in the municipality of Lábrea, State of Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: Prevalence was measured using the thick blood smear method collected from the fingers and was related to age, sex and occupation. Simuliidae were collected with a suction apparatus, then stained with hematoxylin and dissected to verify the PIR. RESULTS: The average prevalence rate of M. ozzardi among the 694 individuals examined was 20.7 percent. Infection was higher in men (27.6 percent) than in women (14.3 percent) (p < 0.001) and occurred in most age groups, with the highest prevalence in the following age groups: 38-47 (40 percent), 48-57 (53.1 percent) and >58 (60.5 percent). The highest prevalence rates were observed in the retired (64 percent), followed by farm workers (47.1 percent). Infection by M. ozzardi was only identified in Cerqueirellum amazonicum (Simuliidae) with a PIR of 0.6 percent. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high prevalence of M. ozzardi in the riverine communities of Lábrea due to the lack of policies regarding the treatment of microfilaremic individuals in the region and an abundance of competent vectors for M. ozzardi.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estimar as prevalências de Mansonella ozzardi, e calcular a taxa de infecção parasitária nos simulídeos no município de Lábrea, Estado do Amazonas. MÉTODOS: As prevalências foram obtidas através do método de gota espessa a partir do sangue coletado da polpa digital e foram relacionadas com a idade, sexo e ocupação. Os simulídeos foram coletados com capturador de sucção, posteriormente foram corados com hematoxilina e dissecados para se obter a taxa de infecção parasitária. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de M. ozzardi entre as 694 pessoas examinadas foi de 20,7 por cento. A infecção foi maior nos homens (27,6 por cento) do que nas mulheres (14,3 por cento) (p < 0,001) e ocorreu na maioria das faixas etárias com maiores prevalências nos indivíduos entre 38-47 (40 por cento), 48-57 (53,1 por cento) e >58 (60,5 por cento) anos. As maiores prevalências foram observadas nos aposentados (64 por cento) e agricultores (47,1 por cento). Somente Cerqueirellum amazonicum (Simuliidae) foi encontrado infectado com M. ozzardi com uma taxa de infecção parasitária de 0,6 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Este trabalho mostra elevadas prevalências de M. ozzardi nas comunidades ribeirinhas de Lábrea devido à ausência de políticas de tratamento dos microfilarêmicos na região e a abundância de vetores competentes.

Ocorrência da Mansonella ozzardi (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) em comunidades ribeirinhas do rio Purus, Município de Boca do Acre, Amazonas, Brasil / Occurrence of Mansonella ozzardi (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) in riverine communities of the Purus river, Boca do Acre municipality, Amazonas State, Brazil

Este estudo teve o objetivo de estimar as prevalências de Mansonella ozzardi e calcular taxa de infecção parasitária nos simulídeos. O trabalho foi realizado em comunidades ribeirinhas do rio Purus, Boca do Acre, Amazonas, Brasil. As prevalências foram obtidas por meio do método de gota espessa de sangue obtido por porção digital. Os simulídeos coletados foram dissecados para estimar a taxa de infecção parasitária. A prevalência de M. ozzardi foi de 27,3 por cento (282/77). Foram observadas maiores prevalências nos homens (31,97 por cento) que nas mulheres (22,22 por cento), nos agricultores (48 por cento) e nos indivíduos entre: 38-47 (60 por cento), 48-57 (66,66 por cento) e 58-67 (75 por cento). A microfilaremia foi maior nos indivíduos entre 58-67 anos (média = 58,41mf/40µL), sexo masculino (41,44mf/40µL) e nos agricultores (49,94mf/40µL). Somente o simulídeo Cerqueirellum amazonicum foi encontrado infectado com taxa de infecção parasitária de 0,98 por cento.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi and calculate the parasitic infection rate in simuliid blackflies. The research was conducted in communities on the Purus River, Boca do Acre municipality, Amazonas State, Brazil. Prevalence was measured using the thick smear method. Captured blackflies were dissected to verify the parasitic infection rate. M. ozzardi prevalence was 27.30 percent (77/282). The study showed higher prevalence in men (31.97 percent) than women (22.22 percent), farmers (48.99 percent), and individuals in the 38-47 (60.00 percent), 48-57 (66.66 percent), and 58-67-year age brackets (75.00 percent). Microfilaremia was higher in individuals 58 to 67 years of age (average= 58.41mf/40µl), men (41.44mf/40µl), and farmers (49.94mf/40µl). Only the simuliid Cerqueirellum amazonicum was found infected with a parasitic infection rate of 0.98 percent.

A new species of Cerqueirellum Py-Daniel, 1983 (Diptera: Simuliidae) and proven new vector of mansonelliasis from the Ituxi River, Amazon basin, Brazil / Uma nova espécie de Cerqueirellum Py-Daniel, 1983 (Diptera, Simuliidae) e provável novo vetor de mansonelose no rio Ituxi, Amazonas, Brasil

A new species of the genus Cerqueirellum Py-Daniel, 1983 (Diptera: Simuliidae) is described. The adults are similar to the species C. oyapockense (Floch & Abonnenc, 1946) and C. roraimense (Nunes de Mello, 1974), of which the females are similar, and the males present discrete differences. The main differences of this new species to others of the genus Cerqueirellum are the integument of the larva recovered from stout spines and long cephalic trichomes in the pupa. Some females were infected with Mansonella ozzardii (Manson, 1897) (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) and probably transmit mansonelliasis in the Ituxi river, state of Amazonas, Brazil.

Uma nova espécie de pium do gênero Cerqueirellum Py-Daniel, 1983 (Diptera: Simuliidae) é descrito. Os adultos são similares às espécies C. oyapockense (Floch & Abonnenc, 1946) e C. roraimense (Nunes de Mello, 1974), cujas fêmeas são indistinguíveis e os machos apresentam discretas diferenças. As principais diferenças dessa nova espécie para as outras espécies do gênero Cerqueirellum são o tegumento da larva recoberto de fortes espinhos e os longos tricomas cefálicos nas pupas. Algumas fêmeas foram encontradas infectadas com Mansonella ozzardi (Manson, 1897) (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) e provavelmente estão transmitindo mansonelose no rio Ituxi, estado do Amazonas, Brasil.

Influence of temperature on microsporidia infections in a natural population of Simulium pertinax Kollar, 1832 (Diptera; Simuliidae)

During the studies involving the correlation between the water temperature of the breeding site of Simulium pertinax larvae and the infection prevalence by microsporidia, developed in the Andorinhas river, Magé, RJ, weekly samples of blackfly larvae were taken within a two-year period (2001-2002 and 2003-2004), and it was noticed that the infections by Amblyospora sp. were more prevalent when compared to infections by Polydispyrenia sp. in larvae. It was also observed that the infections do not follow the same pattern, since the genus Amblyospora was recorded almost every month during the study with the exception of December, 2001. In the results of correlation between the environmental water temperature and the microsporidia infection rates, it was observed that for the first period studied, there was a high negative correlation, while during the second period there was absence correlation. On the other hand, the Amblyospora sp. infection rates prove that the correlation was high and significant in the first period, but was not significant in the second sampling period and Polydispyrenia sp. showed absence correlation in both periods.

Este estudo envolvendo a correlação entre a temperatura da água do criadouro de larvas de Simulium pertinax e a prevalência de infecção por microsporídeos, foi desenvolvido no rio Andorinhas, Magé, RJ, onde foram realizadas coletas semanais de larvas de simulídeos no período de dois anos (2001-2002 e 2003-2004), e foi observado que as infecções por Amblyospora sp. apresentaram maior prevalência quando comparadas com as infecções por Polydispyrenia sp. Com isso, verificou-se que as infecções não seguem o mesmo padrão, onde o gênero Amblyospora foi relatado em quase todos os meses de desenvolvimento do estudo, com exceção apenas de dezembro de 2001. Nos resultados de correlação entre a temperatura ambiente e a taxa de infecção por microsporídeos no primeiro período de estudo, foi observada uma forte correlação negativa, porém foi verificada ausência de correlação no segundo período. Embora tenha sido evidenciada uma forte e significante correlação com a taxa de infecção por Amblyospora sp. no primeiro período, esta correlação mostrou-se não significativa no segundo período de amostragem e Polydispyrenia sp. apresentou ausência de correlação em ambos os períodos de estudo.

Epidemiological studies of Mansonella ozzardi (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) in indigenous communities of Pauini municipality, Amazonas, Brazil

The Mansonella ozzardi has a widespread distribution among the indigenous and riverine communities of Amazonas, Brazil. We estimated the prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi in indigenous communities of the Pauini municipality, Amazonas state, Brazil and the rate of parasitic infection in vectors. We collected thick blood smears from individuals from six Apurinã indigenous communities along the Purus River and its tributaries. Collections of simuliids were made and dissected, and the larval instars of M. ozzardi identified. The overall prevalence of M. ozzardi was 28.40 percent, with the highest incidence among males and agricultural workers. Among age groups, children 2-9 years of age had the lowest incidence, while individuals older than 58 exhibited the highest rates of infection. We found infected simuliids in three communities, with Parasitic Infection Rates (PIR) of 0.34-6.58 percent. The prevalence of M. ozzardi among the Apurinã people is high, possibly related to the diary activities of the riparian people, where a high abundance of the vectors exists.

Esse trabalho tem como objetivos estimar a prevalência de Mansonella ozzardi em comunidades indígenas do município de Pauini, Amazonas, Brasil e estimar a Taxa de Infecção Parasitária nos vetores. Foram examinados indígenas da etnia Apurinã, pelo método de gota espessa, em seis comunidades localizadas as margens e afluentes do rio Purus. A prevalência geral para M. ozzardi foi de 28,40 por cento, com maior incidência para o sexo masculino e nos indivíduos com atividade no campo (agricultores). Em relação à faixa etária, as menores prevalências foram obtidas nos indivíduos mais jovens (2-9 anos), enquanto as maiores nos indivíduos acima de 58 anos. Foram encontrados simulídeos parasitados em três comunidades, com uma Taxa de Infecção Parasitária que variou de 0,34 a 6,58 por cento. A prevalência de M. ozzardi entre os Apurinã é elevada, possivelmente relacionada às suas atividades diárias as margens dos rios, onde existe uma grande abundância dos vetores.

A new species of the multistriatum species-group of Simulium (Simulium) (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Northern Thailand

<I>Simulium</I> (<I>Simulium</I>) <I>chanyae</I> sp. nov. is described based on two female adult specimens collected in Northern Thailand. This new species is assigned to the <I>multistriatum</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Simulium</I>), and is easily distinguished from most of the other known species of this species-group by the yellowish legs.

Simuliidae (Diptera, Culicomorpha) no Brasil: XIII sobre Inaequaliumlundi sp. n / Brazilian simuliidae (Diptera, Culicomorpha): XIII about Inaequaliumlundi sp. n

É descrita uma nova espécie para o gênero Inaequalium (Coscarón & Wygodzinsky, 1984), Inaequaliumlundi sp.n. É proposto um novo grupo de espécies dentro de Inaequalium. Os imaturos de Inaequaliumlundi sp.n. foram coletados em cursos d'água em uma altitude de 2.800 m no complexo geológico denominado Pico da Neblina, Amazonas, Brasil.

A new species is described for the genus Inaequalium (Coscarón & Wygodzinsky, 1984), Inaequaliumlundi sp.n. A new group of species is proposed inside of Inaequalium. The immature of Inaequaliumlundi sp.n. were collected in running waters located in 2.800 meters of altitude, in the geological complex of the "Pico da Neblina", Amazon state, Brazil.

A NEW SPECIES OF SIMULIUM (NEVERMANNIA) FROM THE OGASAWARA (BONIN) ISLANDS, JAPAN (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE)

<I>Simulium</I> (<I>Nevermannia</I>) <I>satakei</I> sp. nov. is described on the basis of the pupa and mature larvae collected from the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands in Japan. This new species, tentatively (due to lack of the adult stage) assigned to the <I>vernum</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Nevermannia</I>, is characterized in the pupa by four gill filaments lacking transverse ridges, and in the larva by a small, M-shaped postgenal cleft, antenna without hyaline bands, and simple rectal papilla. The morphological differences among this new species and the two known species, <I>S</I>. (<I>N</I>.) <I>uemotoi</I> from Japan and <I>S</I>. (<I>N</I>.) <I>karzhantacum</I> from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, are noted. This is the second species of the family Simuliidae from the Islands.

DISCOVERY OF TWO MORE NEW SPECIES OF SIMULIUM (MONTISIMULIUM) (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) IN DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Two more new black-fly species of the rare subgenus <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Montisimulium</I>) were discovered in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand, where <I>S</I>. (<I>M</I>.) <I>merga</I> Takaoka and Choochote was known as the only named species. These two new species, <I>S</I>. (<I>M</I>.) <I>angkaense</I> sp. nov. and <I>S</I>. (<I>M</I>.) <I>laoleense</I> sp. nov., are described on the basis of the pupal and⁄or mature larvae. Both new species are easily distinguished from <I>S</I>. (<I>M</I>.) <I>merga</I> by the pupal gill with 12 slender filaments, and from all the 16 known species with 12 pupal gill filaments in other countries by the long and very long common basal stalk of the gill, respectively.

TWO NEW SPECIES OF SIMULIUM (NEVERMANNIA) (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) FROM NORTHERN THAILAND

Two new species of black flies, <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Nevermannia</I>) <I>fruticosum</I> sp. nov. and <I>S</I>. (<I>N</I>.) <I>chiangklangense</I> sp. nov. are described on the basis of samples collected in northern Thailand. These new species are assigned to the <I>feuerborni</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Nevermannia</I>), and are easily distinguished from <I>S</I>. (<I>N</I>.) <I>feuerborni</I> Edwards, the only species of the same group known thus far in Thailand, by their simple cocoon without any anterodorsal projection.

A NEW SPECIES OF SIMULIUM (SIMULIUM) FROM NORTHERN THAILAND (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE)

<I>Simulium (Simulium) phukaense</I> sp. nov. is described on the basis of the observation of females and males (both sexes of adults reared from pupae) and pupae collected in Nan Province, northern Thailand. This new species is assigned to the <I>griseifrons</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Simulium (Simulium)</I> and is easily distinguished from other known species of this species-group by the simple shoe-shaped cocoon, as well as the arrangement of the six gill filaments.