Phlebotomus (Legeromyia) multihamatus subg. nov., sp. nov. from Gabon (Diptera: Psychodidae)

During a research project aimed at the study of the Culicinae fauna of Gabon and carried out in the National Park of La Lopé, we captured an unknown sandfly male specimen (genus Phlebotomus) by CDC miniature light trap belonging to a new species for Science. Furthermore, the originality of his genitalia does not allow us to include this species in one of the existing subgenus, thus in this paper we propose the creation of a new subgenus, as Phlebotomus (Legeromyia) multihamatus sp. nov., subg. nov. described from the National Park of La Lopé, through one male captured with CDC miniature light trap. A new species and a new subgenus of sandfly is characterised by a short style with three spines, a paramere wearing a basal hook as well as a basal pouch and the absence of basal lobe on the coxite. The originality of the genitalia of the male gives way to discussion about potential primary homologies between P. multihamatus sp. nov. and Phlebotomus (Abonnencius) fortunatarum, Phlebotomus (Anaphlebotomus) stantoni and Phlebotomus (Euphlebotomus) argentipes, which should be verified for future studies. The discovery of this new species in Gabon must encourage the study of sandflies in this country.

The subgenus Migonemyia Galati 1995 (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae), with description of a new species Migonemyia vaniae: a review

The capture of a new species of the subgenus Migonemyia Galati, 1995 (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae), Migonemyia vaniae sp. nov. in the Ribeira Valley, state of São Paulo, Brazil, together with the other two species: Mg. migonei (França, 1920) and Mg. rabelloi (Galati & Gomes, 1992) lead us to review this subgenus. The new species was described and illustrated. The genitalia of the two other species were also illustrated and some genital characteristics (number of setae on the gonocoxite tuft, ejaculatory ducts and pump and ducts/pump ratio; and number of setae on the tergite VIII of the females) considered important to differentiate the three species, including five populations of Mg. migonei (from Northeastern, Southeastern, and Southern Brazilian regions and of Peru) were submitted to variance analyses. The Mg. migonei population of Northeastern Brazilian region showed distinct smaller values (P < 0.05) than the other Brazilian populations studied as regarding these characteristics. The capture of both sexes of these three species in sympatry confirms the association between the sexes of Mg. rabelloi, recognised as doubtful when this species was originally described. Identification keys for male and female of the three species are presented.

Structure and function of the spermathecal complex in the phlebotomine sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli (Diptera: Psychodidae): I. ultrastructure and histology.

Females of phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) possess highly variable spermathecae that present several important taxonomic characters. The cause of this diversity remains a neglected field of sandfly biology, but may possibly be due to female post-mating sexual selection. To understand this diversity, a detailed study of the structure and function of the spermathecal complex in at least one of the species was a prerequisite. Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, described here is ultrastructure of the spermathecal complex in the sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli. The spermathecal complexes are paired; each consists of a long spermathecal duct, a cylindrical spermathecal body, and a spherical spermathecal gland. Muscle fibres, nerves, tracheoles, and vascular sinuses connect the spermathecal body and duct through the epithelial layers. Spermathecal gland is formed by a typical insect epidermis and consisting of an epithelial layer of class-1 epidermal cells and elaborate glandular cells of class-3 epidermal cells, each having both receiving and conducting ductules (i.e. "end apparatus") and a "cytological apodeme", which is a newly described cell structure. The spermathecal body and duct are lined by class-1 epidermal cells and a cuticle, and are enveloped by a super-contracting visceral muscular system. The cuticle consists of rubber-like resilin, and its fibrillar arrangement and chemical nature are described. A well-developed neuromuscular junction exists between the spermathecal gland and the spermathecal body, which are connected to each other by a nerve and a muscle. The spermathecal complexes of the sandfly are compared with those of other insect species. The physiological role and possible evolutionary significance of the different parts of spermathecal complex in the sandfly are inferred from the morphology and behaviour. Post-mating sexual selection may be responsible for the structural uniqueness of the spermathecal complex in phlebotomine sandflies.

Structure and function of the spermathecal complex in the phlebotomine sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli (Diptera: Psychodidae): II. post-copulatory histophysiological changes during the gonotrophic cycle.

The spermathecal complex of Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli (Diptera: Psychodidae) undergoes histological and physiological changes during its gonotropic cycle. The present histochemical study revealed a mucopolysaccharide secretory mass in the spermathecae of the newly emerged sandfly. Sperm competition occurs when two or more males compete to fertilize an ovum in the female reproductive tract. In this study, spermatophores of two or more competing males were deposited at the base of the spermathecal ducts, which originate from the female bursa copulatrix. This suggests that females play a role in sperm displacement, which is defined as any situation in which the last male to mate with a female fertilizes maximum number her eggs. A blood meal ingested by the female for ovary development and egg laying stimulates the release of sperm from the spermatophore. The spermatozoa then migrate to the lumen of the spermatheca. The ultrastructure of spermatozoa comprises a head with double-layered acrosomal perforatorium, an elongate nucleus, and the axoneme with a 9 + 9 + 0 flagellar pattern. This axomene differs from the flagellate axoneme of other Psychodinae. Morphological changes, such as the casting off of the acrosomal membrane, and histological changes in the spermatophore are also described. Mating plugs that have been described previously in sandflies appear to be artefacts. Females of P. papatasi may be inseminated more than once during each gonotrophic cycle, and additional inseminations may be necessary for each cycle. The relationships between the volumes of the sperm and the spermatheca were calculated to determine sperm utilization and fecundity of P. papatasi. As the females of P. papatasi mate polyandrously, the anatomical and physiological complexity of the spermathecal complex may be related to post-copulatory sexual selection.

Morphological variations in Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) Annandale and Brunetti.

Morphological variations were observed in Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector for visceral leishmaniasis reported from the endemic states of Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The taxonomic features distinguishing vector and nonvector species of P. argentipes were relative length of ascoid and antennal segment IV. Three morphotypes were characterized as <0.4, = 0.4 and >0.4 respectively. Other characteristics of wing width, wing length, eye, style, antennal segment III, IV, V was found statistically significant (p<0.05) and eleven other morphological measurements were not significant. This study suggests three different morphotypes of P. argentipes in these three endemic states. The genetic and reproductive isolation among such morphotypes will establish the variability in further studies.

Morphological characteristics of the antennal flagellum and its sensilla chaetica with character displacement in the sandfly Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale and Brunetti sensu lato (Diptera: psychodidae).

Using light microscope and scanning electron microscope, the external morphological characteristics of the antennal flagellum and its sensilla are described in the sandfly, Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale and Brunetti sensu lato, a well known vector of visceral leishmaniasis in India. A revised terminology is given for the antennal segments to bring phlebotomine more in line with other subfamilies and families while a description of antennal sensilla is provided for the first time in phlebotomine sandflies. Each flagellum consists of scape, pedicel, flagellomeres I to XIII and apiculus. The antennal segments contain scales and sensilla and the latter consist of sensilla trichodea, s. basiconica, s. auricillica, s. coeloconica and s. chaetica and their putative functions are discussed. The sensilla chaeticum hitherto known as antennal ascoid in the phlebotomine sandflies was used to differentiate within and between species. Differences in its relative size to the flagellomere between the populations of P. argentipes collected from the endemic and non-endemic areas in Tamil Nadu state, southern India were established. These differences are considered to be a character displacement as means of premating reproductive isolating mechanism among the populations/members of species complex.

Numerical taxonomy of Old World Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae). 1 - Considerations of morphological characters in the genus Phlebotomus Rondani & Berté 1840

Numerical analyses (correspondence analyses, ascending hierarchical classification, cladistic approach) were applied to the morphological characters of the adults of the genus Phlebotomus Rondani & Berté 1840. They confirm the reliability of the classic classifications, and also redefine the taxonomic and phylogenetic position of certain taxa. Thus, Spelaeophlebotomus Theodor 1948, Idiophlebotomus Quate & Fairchild 1961 and Australophlebotomus Theodor 1948 deserve generic rank. Among the vectors of leishmaniasis, the subgenus Phlebotomus Rondani & Berté 1840 is probably ancient. The results attribute an intermediate taxonomic and phylogenetic position to the taxa Euphlebotomus Theodor 1948 and Anaphlebotomus Theodor 1948, and reveal the probable artificial nature of the latter. The comparatively large numbers of species of subgenera Paraphlebotomus Theodor 1948, Synphlebotomus Theodor 1948 and, above all, Larroussius Nitzulescu 1931 and Adlerius Nitzulescu 1931, suggest that they are relatively recent. The development of adult morphological characters, the validity of their use in taxonomy and proposals for further studies are discussed.

Numerical taxonomy of Old World Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae). 2 - Restatement of classification upon subgeneric morphological characters

Numerical analyses (correspondence analyses, ascending hierarchical classification, and cladistics) were done with morphological characters of adult phlebotomine sandflies. The resulting classification largely confirms that of classical taxonomy for supra-specific groups from the Old World, though the positions of some groups are adjusted. The taxa Spelaeophlebotomus Theodor 1978, Idiophlebotomus Quate & Fairchild 1961, Australophlebotomus Theodor 1948 and Chinius Leng 1987 are notably distinct from other Old World groups, particularly from the genus Phlebotomus Rondani & Berté 1840. Spelaeomyia Theodor 1948 and, in particular, Parvidens Theodor & Mesghali 1964 are clearly separate from Sergentomyia França & Parrot 1920.

Phlebotomine sand flies from Säo Gabriel da Cachoeira (State of Amazonas, Brazil) with a description of Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) douradoi n.sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Third-five species of Lutzomyia and two species of Brumptomyia were identified among 795 phlebotomines taken in light-traps near the upper reaches of the middle Rio Negro. The subgenus Psychodopygus predominanted in number of species (11) and relative abundance (74-81 per cent in light trap samples from the forest and 99 per cent on human bait). For many of the species these records help to fill large gaps on current maps of distribution, and for others (L. olmeca nociva, L. mangabeirana, L. triacantha) the findings represent a significant expansion of their known range. A new species in the subgenus Psychodopygus (L. douradoi) is described from both sexes, and L. bettini is recorded for the first time in Brazil.

A new species of Phlebotomus (Diptera: Phlebotominae) from deltaic area of district south 24-Parganas, West Bengal, India.

Description of a new species of sandfly Phlebotomus sundarai sp. nov. collected from Kala-azar endemic blocks-Gosaba and Baruipur, of district South 24-Parganas, West Bengal is given.

Diagnostic importance of female external genital structure of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) as observed by scanning electron microscopy

Morphological description of sand flies has remained a neglected area. The different organs used in taxonomy have not yet been described adequately with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We have examined the external genital structures of females of three Old World phlebotomine sand flies under SEM and recorded the morphological variations of the organs. We have found the female external genital strutures of the three species varied considerably in morphology. The importance of the female external genital structures in sand fly identification is indicated.

Phlebotomes of Paraguay species identification in 3 endemic areas: diptera, psychodydae, and phlebotominae

In an attemp to contribute to a better knowledge of the leishmania-transmitting insect species in endemic areas of Paraguay, phlebotomes were collected by night catch. In this way, species of insects could be identified and natural infections could also be discovered. Six-hundred and six females bugs were examined, from among which the following species were identified: Lutsomia migonei (11%), L. shannoni (13.6%, L. intermedia (20.3%), L. wakeri (0.2%), L. whitmani (60.4), L. fisheri (2.6%), L. longispinosa (0.7%), and L. cortelezzi (0.2%). The last three species were first described in Paraguay. L. whitmani was the most frequently found species. Insect catch was performed in four Paraguayan localities in three endemic areas, using Shannon light traps and human bait, Leishmania promastigotes were found in the Malpighi tubes of a specimen of L. whitmani. All the other species mentioned above are also considered as vectors for Leishmania. Very little study has been performed on Phlebotomines in Paraguay. In 1955, González y Arce Queirolo collected 5401 specimens in endemic areas, Nad identified the following species: Ph. whitmani, Ph. migonei, Ph. intermedius, Ph. monticulosus, dnd Ph. pessoai (3). These species were cited by Barreto (1950) in his report on the distribution of phlebotomines in America (1). Between 1984 and 1985, A. de Arias performed an epidemiological survey in Tavapy (Alto Paraná), collecting the following species: L. intermedie, L. migonei and L. whitmani (6). Although all the species quoted by the different authors are considered vectors for Leishmania, they failed to find specimens infected with the parasite. In the present work we report some data on the species found in three endemic zones as well as the method of catch employed, and finally we mention some aspects of the natural infection