Geographic distribution of phlebotomine sandfly species (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Central-West Brazil

This study updates the geographic distributions of phlebotomine species in Central-West Brazil and analyses the climatic factors associated with their occurrence. The data were obtained from the entomology services of the state departments of health in Central-West Brazil, scientific collections and a literature review of articles from 1962-2014. Ecological niche models were produced for sandfly species with more than 20 occurrences using the Maxent algorithm and eight climate variables. In all, 2,803 phlebotomine records for 127 species were analysed. Nyssomyia whitmani, Evandromyia lenti and Lutzomyia longipalpis were the species with the greatest number of records and were present in all the biomes in Central-West Brazil. The models, which were produced for 34 species, indicated that the Cerrado areas in the central and western regions of Central-West Brazil were climatically more suitable to sandflies. The variables with the greatest influence on the models were the temperature in the coldest months and the temperature seasonality. The results show that phlebotomine species in Central-West Brazil have different geographical distribution patterns and that climate conditions in essentially the entire region favour the occurrence of at least one Leishmania vector species, highlighting the need to maintain or intensify vector control and surveillance strategies.

Predicting the geographic distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) and visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

To understand the geographic distribution of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil, both the climatic niches of Lutzomyia longipalpis and VL cases were analysed. Distributional data were obtained from 55 of the 79 counties of MS between 2003-2012. Ecological niche models (ENM) of Lu. longipalpis and VL cases were produced using the maximum entropy algorithm based on eight climatic variables. Lu. longipalpis showed a wide distribution in MS. The highest climatic suitability for Lu. longipalpis was observed in southern MS. Temperature seasonality and annual mean precipitation were the variables that most influenced these models. Two areas of high climatic suitability for the occurrence of VL cases were predicted: one near Aquidauana and another encompassing several municipalities in the southeast region of MS. As expected, a large overlap between the models for Lu. longipalpis and VL cases was detected. Northern and northwestern areas of MS were suitable for the occurrence of cases, but did not show high climatic suitability for Lu. longipalpis . ENM of vectors and human cases provided a greater understanding of the geographic distribution of VL in MS, which can be applied to the development of future surveillance strategies.

Leguminosae-papilionoideae from the parque estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil / Papilionoideae do Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

This study aims to evaluate the richness of the Papilionoideae species found in the Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema (PEVRI), which is located in the southeast region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and investigate if the habits of this Leguminosae group vary in different formations of the park. Monthly collections, including all habits, were made by walking along pre-established trails, from September 2004 to September 2009. The PEVRI includes Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, Seasonal Alluvial Semideciduous Forest and fields. Twenty-three species distributed in 16 genera and 5 tribes were recorded. Phaseoleae was noted with 7 genera, followed by Dalbergieae with 6 genera and Desmodieae, Indigofereae and Crotalarieae with only 1 genus in each species. Among the 16 recorded genera, Crotalaria L. (4), Aeschynomene L. (3), Desmodium Desv., and Vigna Savi (2) were the most representative. The Papilionoideae with herbaceous and subshrub habits were predominant in humid and pastures, while arboreous species and lianas were recorded in the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. Nine species of Papilionoideae were recorded in humid grasslands, eight species in Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, and only one in Alluvial Semideciduous Forest. Papilionoideae found in the PEVRI have also been recorded in cerrado, Seasonal Semideciduous Forest and Pantanal, except Andira inermis, which does not present a reference for Seasonal Alluvial Semideciduous Forest.

Este estudo consiste no inventário das Leguminosae-Papilionoideae do Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema (PEVRI), localizado ao sudeste de Mato Grosso do Sul e na investigação do hábito predominante das espécies nas diferentes formações do parque. As coletas incluindo todos os hábitos foram realizadas por meio de caminhadas, entre setembro de 2004 a setembro de 2009. O PEVRI agrega remanescentes de Floresta Estacional Semidecídua, de Floresta Estacional Semidecídua Aluvial e de campos. Foram registradas 23 espécies reunidas em 16 gêneros e 5 tribos com destaque para Phaseoleae com 7 gêneros, seguida por Dalbergieae com 6 gêneros e Desmodieae, Indigofereae e Crotalarieae representadas por 1 gênero cada. Dentre os 16 gêneros registrados destacaram-se como mais representativos: Crotalaria L. (4), Aeschynomene L. (3), Desmodium Desv. e Vigna Savi (2). As Papilionoideae herbáceas e subarbustivas predominaram em campo úmido e campo com pastagens, as arbóreas e lianas em Floresta Estacional Semidecídua. Nove espécies de Papilionoideae foram registradas em campo úmido, oito em Floresta Estacional Semidecídua e apenas uma em Floresta Estacional Semidecídua Aluvial. As Papilionoideae do PEVRI também foram registradas em outros estudos no Cerrado, Floresta Estacional Semidecídua e Pantanal, exceto Andira inermis, sem registros para a Floresta Semidecídua Aluvial.