First Detection of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Algiers, the Capital City of Algeria.

BACKGROUND: Based on the reporting of the presence of stripped mosquitoes by a citizen in the Algiers residential neighborhood of Bir-Khadem, where residents experienced huge daytime mosquito nuisance an entomological investigation was carried out in July 2016. METHODS: Ovitraps and BG sentinel traps baited with Lure were used during three consecutive days to collect adult mosquitoes. Eighteen residential houses of the Bir-Khadem neighborhood were also inspected to search larvae breeding sites such as water fountains, baskets and flowerpots. RESULTS: A total of 57 Aedes albopictus specimens were collected in five villas, consisting of 21 eggs, 20 larvae and 16 adults. CONCLUSION: This is the first record of this invasive species in Algiers.

Ecological differentiation of members of the Culex pipiens complex, potential vectors of West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever virus in Algeria.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the ecological differentiation of two members of the Culex pipiens complex, Cx. p. pipiens form pipiens and Cx. p. pipiens form molestus in three sites, El-Kala, M'Sila and Tinerkouk in Algeria. These two forms are the most widespread mosquito vectors in temperate regions exhibiting important behavioural and physiological differences. Nevertheless, this group of potential vectors has been poorly studied, particularly in North Africa. METHODS: Ten larval populations of Cx. p. pipiens were sampled from various above- and underground habitats in three zones representing the three bioclimatic regions in Algeria. The reproduction characteristics were also investigated in the laboratory to define the rates of autogeny and stenogamy. Identification of Cx. p. pipiens members present in Algeria was achieved using a molecular analysis with the microsatellite CQ11 locus. RESULTS: We detected larvae of Cx. p. pipiens in all areas suggesting that the species is a ubiquitous mosquito well adapted to various environments. To our knowledge, this study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of the Cx. p. pipiens form molestus and hybrids (molestus/pipiens) in Algeria with a high proportion of molestus form (48.3 %) in comparison with hybrids (36.8 %) and pipiens form (14.9 %). CONCLUSIONS: Some unexpected correlations between the proportion of forms pipiens, molestus and hybrids, and mosquito biological characteristics were observed suggesting some epigenetic effects controlling Cx. p. pipiens mating and reproduction. Consequences for pathogen transmission are discussed.