Species diversity and spatial distribution of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from La Isla Amazon Park, Napo Province, Ecuador / Diversidad de especies y distribución espacial de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) del Parque Amazónico La Isla, provincia de Napo, Ecuador

Abstract Introduction: Vector-borne diseases are prevalent in the Amazon and Coastal regions of Ecuador. However, there is a scarcity of mosquito ecology studies in these areas. The most recent list of species reported for the country comprises 8 tribes, 22 genera, and 200 species. Objectives: To document the Culicidae species found in La Isla Amazon Park, Napo, Ecuador, including those with epidemiological significance; and to analyze their composition, abundance, and diversity, focusing on larval habitats during the dry and rainy periods. Methods: We evaluated different larval habitats, considering collection duration as the primary criterion. We used CDC and Shannon traps to collect adult mosquitoes during both rainy and dry periods. To assess sampling effort, we used accumulation curves and non-parametric estimators of species richness, while we employed Hill numbers to determine diversity. Additionally, we used the Berger-Parker and Pielou indices to evaluate species dominance and evenness. We conducted cluster analysis and ANOSIM tests to assess the similarity between habitats and the differences in taxonomic composition between periods. Results: We collected a total of 802 individuals from 15 species and 4 taxonomic units, 5 genera, and 4 tribes. Notably, this may be the first records of Wyeomyia felicia Dyar & Núñez Tovar and Culex derivator Dyar & Knab from Ecuador. Additionally, the presence of Culex dunni Dyar and Psorophora ferox von Humboldt (both recognized as vectors) was correlated with increased rainfall. Conclusions: The abundance of mosquitoes, including potential vector species, increased during the rainy season, indicating a higher risk of pathogen transmission. However, the relationship between rainfall amount and diversity patterns is not well-defined.

Resumen Introducción: Las enfermedades vectoriales son prevalentes en las regiones amazónica y costera de Ecuador. Sin embargo, hay una escasez de estudios de ecología de mosquitos en estas áreas. En el país se ha reportado 8 tribus, 22 géneros y 200 especies. Objetivos: Documentar las especies de Culicidae encontradas en el Parque Amazónico La Isla, Napo, Ecuador, incluyendo aquellas con importancia epidemiológica; y analizar su composición, abundancia y diversidad, enfocándose en los hábitats de las larvas durante los períodos seco y lluvioso. Métodos: Evaluamos diferentes hábitats larvarios, con la duración de la recolecta como criterio. Las trampas CDC y Shannon recolectaron mosquitos adultos durante los períodos seco y lluvioso. Evaluamos la riqueza de especies con curvas de acumulación y estimadores no paramétricos, mientras que determinamos la diversidad con los números de Hill. Además, utilizamos los índices de Berger-Parker y Pielou para evaluar la dominancia y la uniformidad de las especies. Realizamos análisis de conglomerados y la prueba ANOSIM para evaluar la similitud entre hábitats y estaciones, así como las diferencias en la composición taxonómica, respectivamente. Resultados: Recolectamos un total de 802 individuos de 15 especies y 4 unidades taxonómicas, 5 géneros y 4 tribus. Este podría ser el primer registro de Wyeomyia felicia Dyar & Núñez Tovar y Culex derivator Dyar & Knab en Ecuador. Además, la presencia de Culex dunni Dyar y Psorophora ferox von Humboldt (ambos potenciales vectores) se correlacionó con el aumento de las precipitaciones. Conclusiones: El aumento de la abundancia de mosquitos durante el periodo lluvioso indica un mayor riesgo de transmisión de patógenos. Sin embargo, la relación entre la cantidad de precipitaciones y los patrones de diversidad no está bien definida.

Pollen preferences of stingless bees in the Amazon region and southern highlands of Ecuador by scanning electron microscopy and morphometry.

Stingless bees are effective pollinators of native tropical flora. Their environmental service maintains flow of pollen through pollination, increase reproductive success and influence genetic structure in plants. The management of stingless bees "meliponiculture", is an activity limited to the countryside in Ecuador. The lack of knowledge of their managers about pollen resources can affect the correct maintenance/production of nests. The objective is to identify botanical families and genera of pollen grains collected by stingless bees by morphological features and differentiate potential species using geometric morphometry. Thirty-six pot pollen samples were collected from three Ecuadorian provinces located in two climatically different zones. Pollen type identification was based on the Number, Position, Character system. Using morphological features, the families and genera were established. Morphometry landmarks were used to show variation for species differentiation. Abundance, diversity, similarity and dominance indices were established by counting pollen grains, as well as spatial distribution relationships by means of Poisson regression. Forty-six pollen types were determined in two study areas, classified into 27 families and 18 genera. In addition, it was possible to identify more than one species, classified within the same family and genus, thanks to morphometric analysis. 1148 ± 799 (max 4211; min 29) pollen grains were counting in average. The diversity showed a high richness, low dominance and similarity between pollen resources. Families Melastomataceae and Asteraceae, genera Miconia and Bidens, were found as the main pollen resources. The stingless bee of this study are mostly generalist as shown the interaction network. The results of the present survey showed that stingless bees do not collect pollen from a single species, although there is evidence of a predilection for certain plant families. The diversity indexes showed high richness but low uniformity in the abundance of each family identified. The results of the study are also meaningful to the meliponiculture sector as there is a need to improve management practices to preserve the biodiversity and the environment.

Analysis of endemism of world arthropod distribution data supports biogeographic regions and many established subdivisions.

We analyzed 769 242 occurrence records for 115 424 species of terrestrial arthropods, from three biodiversity repositories (Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Natural History Museum, London, and "Sistema de Informação Distribuído para Coleções Biológicas" (SpeciesLink)), to test the use of global-scale data points for quantitative assessments of areas of endemism. The data include Insecta (105,941 species), Arachnida (7984 species), Myriapoda (1229) and terrestrial crustaceans (270 Branchiopoda). The species were assigned to 14 543 higher taxonomic groups because such groups often characterize larger areas of endemism. Putative areas of endemism were visualized as sets of cells displaying unique groups of species without the assumption of hierarchical relationships. Yet, the use of 10° grid cells recovered many large areas broadly corresponding to biogeographic Regions (Nearctic, Neotropical, Panamanian, Palaearctic, Afrotropical, Australian, Oceanian and Oriental) albeit with the limits poorly defined. An analysis of 5° grids resulted in 306 sets included in the different biogeographic Realms: Afrotropical, Australian, Madagascan, Nearctic, Neotropical, Oceanian, Oriental, Palaearctic, Saharo-Arabian and Sino-Japanese. The Panamanian Realm comprises 89 partly overlapping sets, crossing the Nearctic and Neotropical boundaries. A total of 7338 species of Insecta were endemic to some areas (Sino-Japanese, Afrotropical, Panamanian, Palaearctic, among others), followed by Arachnida (412 spp) and 105 species in other clades ranked as "classes". Six sets were supported only by genera, except for Panamanian sets that were supported by genera and families. Many of the species in the dataset are included in IUCN red lists, but probably most of those have distributions more restricted than global areas of endemism; only 102 appear as endemic to some area (Neartic, Madagascan, Panamanian, Afrotropical, among others). The results show that data from global databases can be used to identify areas of endemism on a worldwide basis but-owing to their incompleteness-only at a relatively coarse level. At the level of resolution currently allowed by such databases, such global studies are only complementary to studies where areas are determined subjectively by systematists (instead of actual point records), or studies using point records in datasets for specific taxonomic groups curated and compiled by specialists.

Análisis morfométrico del frenillo labial superior durante el crecimiento y desarrollo del niño en edades 0 a 12 años / Análise morfométrica do freio labial superior durante o crescimento e desenvolvimento crianças em idades de 0 a 12 anos / Morphometric analysis of the upper lip frenulum during growth and development of the child aged 0 to 12 years

Objetivo: Establecer un análisis morfométrico del frenillo labial superior durante el crecimiento y desarrollo del niño en edades de 0 a 12 años en el Municipio Naguanagua periodo Marzo-Septiembre 2016. Materiales y Métodos: investigación de tipo descriptivo con un diseño de campo. Teniendo como objeto una población de 650 niños tomando como Muestra 260 sujetos, distribuidos de manera porcentual en, 31% Primera Infancia 23% Segunda Infancia y 46% Tercera Infancia. Se obtuvieron fotografías del frenillo, tomando 10 "landmark" (puntos de referencia) para la conformación de la estructura, siendo procesadas para su análisis con los Software, TpsDig2, Past, IMP7 y Morphoj. Resultados: la zona que presento mayor superposición en todos los grupos fue la de inserción gingival, mientras que la inserción labial presento mayor variación, en cuanto a 1 Residente del Postgrado de Odontopediatría, Universidad de Carabobo. 2 Odontopediatra UC. Docente del Postgrado de Odontopediatría U.C. y docente de Pregrado facultad de Odontología U.C. 3 PhD, en Entomología, Docente de la Universidad de Ikiam Ecuador. la deformación de la estructura en todas las etapas hubo desarrollo en sentido horizontal en la inserción labial. La medida promedio del frenillo labial superior se estableció entre 11 a 13mm, ±1-2mm de desviación. La inserción gingival a la papila interincisal se presentó una medida promedio 1 a 3 mm. ±1 mm. Conclusiones: el frenillo labial superior al nacer es fisiológicamente tectolabial, presentara un desarrollo de 1 a 2mm durante el 1er año de vida en su zona de inserción gingival exclusivamente, manteniéndose estable sin reposicionarse ni modificarse en longitud hasta la adolescencia, por lo que al realizar el análisis Morfométrico del frenillo labial superior en todos tipos de dentición dicha estructura presento similitudes indicándonos su estabilidad en las diferentes edades del infante.

Objetivo: Estabelecer uma análise morfométrica do freio labial superior durante o crescimento e desenvolvimento de crianças de idades 0 a 12 anos no município Naguanagua período Marzo-Septiembre 2016. Materiais e Métodos: Pesquisa de tipo descritivo com um projeto de campo. Tendo como objeto uma populaçã o de 650 crianças e tomando como amostra 260 sujeitos, distribuídos de forma percentual em, 31% Primeira Infância 23% Segunda Infância e 46% Terceira Infância. Se obtiveram as fotografias do freio, tomando 10 pontos de referência para a conformação da estrutura, as quais foram processadas para seu análise com os software, TpsDig2, Past, IMP7 e Morphoj. Resultados: a zona que preside o superposição do maior em todos os grupos foi a inserção gingival, enquanto que a inserção labial apresentou a maiori variação, forma da deformação da estrutura em todas as etapas desenvolvimento ocorreu no sentido horizontal na inserção labial. A medida médioa freio labial superior foi 11 a 13mm, ± 1-2mm de desvio. A inserção gengival à la papila interincisal se mostrou uma medida média 1 a 3 mm. ± 1 mm. Conclusões: o freio labial superior , ao nascer, é fisiologicamente teto-labial, apresenta um desenvolvimento de 1 a 2mm durante o primeiro ano de vida em sua zona de inserção gengival exclusivamente, mantendo-se estável sem reposicionar nem modificando em comprimento até a adolescência. Por isso que realizar analise morfométrica do frenillo labial superior em todos os tipos de dentição nos mostra semelhanças nos indicando sua estabilidade nas diferentes idades da criança.

Objective: To establish a morphometric analysis of the upper lip frenulum during the growth and development of the child aged 0 to 12 years in the Naguanagua Municipality period March-September 2016. Materials and Methods: A descriptive research with a field design was performed. The target population was 650 children, the sample taken was 260 subjects, distributed in 31% First Infancy 23% Second Infancy and 46% Third Infancy. Photographs of the bridle were taken, taking 10 landmarks for the structure conformation, being processed for analysis with the Software, TpsDig2, Past, IMP7 and Morphoj. Results: the area that presented greater overlap in all groups was that of gingival insertion, while the labial insertion presented greater variation, in terms of the deformation of the structure in all the stages there was development in horizontal sense in the labial insertion. The mean upper lip frenulum measurement was established between 11 to 13mm, ± 1-2mm of deviation. The gingival insertion to the interincisal papilla presented an average measure of 1 to 3 mm. ± 1 mm. Conclusions: the upper labial frenulum at birth is physiologicallyw tectolabial, presenting a development of 1 to 2 mm during the first year of life in its area of gingival insertion exclusively, remaining stable without repositioning or modification in length until adolescence, The morphometric analysis of the upper lip frenulum in all types of dentition said structure showed similarities indicating its stability in the different ages of the infant.

Isolation of Madre de Dios Virus (Orthobunyavirus; Bunyaviridae), an Oropouche Virus Species Reassortant, from a Monkey in Venezuela.

Oropouche virus (OROV), genus Orthobunyavirus, family Bunyaviridae, is an important cause of human illness in tropical South America. Herein, we report the isolation, complete genome sequence, genetic characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of an OROV species reassortant, Madre de Dios virus (MDDV), obtained from a sick monkey (Cebus olivaceus Schomburgk) collected in a forest near Atapirire, a small rural village located in Anzoategui State, Venezuela. MDDV is one of a growing number of naturally occurring OROV species reassortants isolated in South America and was known previously only from southern Peru.

Evolutionary and Ecological Characterization of Mayaro Virus Strains Isolated during an Outbreak, Venezuela, 2010.

In 2010, an outbreak of febrile illness with arthralgic manifestations was detected at La Estación village, Portuguesa State, Venezuela. The etiologic agent was determined to be Mayaro virus (MAYV), a reemerging South American alphavirus. A total of 77 cases was reported and 19 were confirmed as seropositive. MAYV was isolated from acute-phase serum samples from 6 symptomatic patients. We sequenced 27 complete genomes representing the full spectrum of MAYV genetic diversity, which facilitated detection of a new genotype, designated N. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic sequences indicated that etiologic strains from Venezuela belong to genotype D. Results indicate that MAYV is highly conserved genetically, showing ≈17% nucleotide divergence across all 3 genotypes and 4% among genotype D strains in the most variable genes. Coalescent analyses suggested genotypes D and L diverged ≈150 years ago and genotype diverged N ≈250 years ago. This virus commonly infects persons residing near enzootic transmission foci because of anthropogenic incursions.

Determinación de áreas de endemismo en mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) en Venezuela, mediante criterios explícitos de optimización / Determination of areas of endemism in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Venezuela, through explicit optimization criteria

La familia culicidae ha sido estudiada ampliamente debido a su importancia en la salud pública y veterinaria. Varias especies de esta familia son vectores de múltiples patógenos que causan enfermedades que generan altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad, así como numerosas pérdidas económicas. El conocimiento de la distribución geográfica de este grupo y el análisis de su biogeografía histórica nos permitirán obtener más conocimientos acerca de su historia natural, de las razones geológicas y ecológicas de su distribución, así como de patrones epidemiológicos de las enfermedades de las cuales son vectores. La delimitación de áreas de endemismo (AE) es un paso inicial y fundamental para la realización de análisis de biogeografía histórica, para ello se elaboró una base de datos de 9.610 registros, 435 localidades, 20 géneros y 261 especies de Venezuela, a partir del cual se realizaron mapas de distribución, análisis explícitos de áreas de endemismos (AE) y parsimonioso de endemicidad (PAE) en los programas (software) NDM/VNDM. Los registros compilados de la familia culicidae se distribuyen principalmente al Norte del país, con distribuciones particulares hacia zonas montañosas o la región del Macizo Guayanés, entre otras. Se proponen tres áreas de endemismo para mosquitos: Macizo Guayanés-Pantepui, Región Norte-central y Cordillera Andina, las cuales son concordantes con las zonas ancestrales y recientes de la historia geológica del territorio.

The Family Culicidae has been studied extensively because of its importance in veterinary and public health. Several species of this family are vectors of pathogens causing multiple diseases which to generate high rates of morbidity and mortality and numerous economic losses. Studies of the geographical distribution of Culicidae and its historical biogeography analysis will allow us to obtain more knowledge about the natural history and explanations of geological and ecological reasons of the distribution and also the epidemiological patterns of diseases which are involved. The delimitation of areas of endemism (AE) is a crucial initial step for the analysis of historical biogeography and for this we developed a database of 9,610 records in 435 localities, 20 genera and 261 species from Venezuela, map distribution, and explicit analyzes of areas of endemism (AE) and parsimonious of endemicity (PAE) software NDM / VNDM. The records compiled of Culicidae are mainly distributed in the north of the country, with particular distributions to mountainous or Guayana Shield region, among others. The results suggest the proposal of three endemism areas for mosquitoes: Guayana Shield-Pantepui, North-Central Region and Andean mountains cordillera, which are concordant with recent and ancestral areas of the geological history of the country.

[Geometric wing morphometrics for Chrysomya albiceps and C. megacephala identification (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from Venezuela]. / Morfometría geométrica alar para la identificación de Chrysomya albiceps y C. megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) de Venezuela.

Calliphoridae is one of the families with the greatest number of species with forensic importance, which immature stages feed and develop on decaying material. In Venezuela, there are few studies on this taxon reporting the dominance of Chrysomya over other carrion flies. The goal of this study was to analyze the variations on wing morphometrics, to support the identification of two forensic flies. For this we photographed a total of 168 wings from C. albiceps (n=111) and C. megacephala (n=57). Landmark coordinate (x, y) configurations were registered and aligned by Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Principal Component Analysis and shape significance test based on Procrustes distance were implemented. Statistical analysis of variance found significant differences in wing isometric size (Kruskal-Wallis). The PCA showed the separation between species, and shape test showed significant differences (F Goodall's). The main differences between both species were localized on subcosta rupture, join of R(2+3) with wing border, join of dm-cu, and join of Cu with bm-cu, suggesting that wing morphometrics is a suitable tool in the discrimination of blowfly species.

Morfometría geométrica alar para la identificación de Chrysomya albiceps y C. megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) de Venezuela / Geometric wing morphometrics for Chrysomya albiceps and C. megacephala identification (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from Venezuela

Calliphoridae is one of the families with the greatest number of species with forensic importance, which immature stages feed and develop on decaying material. in Venezuela, there are few studies on this taxon reporting the dominance of Chrysomya over other carrion flies. The goal of this study was to analyze the variations on wing morphometrics, to support the identification of two forensic flies. For this we photographed a total of 168 wings from C. albiceps (n=111) and C. megacephala (n=57). Landmark coordinate (x, y) configurations were registered and aligned by Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Principal Component Analysis and shape significance test based on Procrustes distance were implemented. Statistical analysis of variance found significant differences in wing isometric size (Kruskal-Wallis). The PCA showed the separation between species, and shape test showed significant differences (F Goodall´s). The main differences between both species were localized on subcosta rupture, join of R2+3 with wing border, join of dm-cu, and join of Cu with bm-cu, suggesting that wing morphometrics is a suitable tool in the discrimination of blowfly species.

Calliphoridae es una de las familias con el mayor número de especies de importancia forense, donde sus fases inmaduras se alimentan y desarrollan sobre material en descomposición. En Venezuela, son pocos los estudios en este taxon, sin embargo se ha reportado la dominancia del género Chrysomya sobre los otros dípteros. El objetivo fue analizar la variación morfométrica en la arquitectura alar, como herramienta de apoyo a la identificación de dípteros de importancia forense. Se fotografiaron 168 alas de C. albiceps (n=111) y C. megacephala (n=57) y se registraron configuraciones de coordenadas (x, y), se alinearon mediante Análisis Generalizado de Procrustes. Se efectuaron Análisis de Componentes Principales y comparaciones pareadas entre distancia parcial de Procrustes. El análisis estadístico de varianza encontró diferencias en el tamaño isométrico del ala (Kruskal-Wallis). El ACP mostró la separación de ambas especies, y la prueba de configuraciones determinó diferencias significativas (F Goodall). Las principales diferencias entre ambas especies se encontraron en: ruptura de la subcosta, unión de R2+3 con el borde del ala, unión dm-cu, y unión de Cu con dm-cu, lo que confirma que la morfometría alar es una herramienta idónea en la discriminación de especies de Calliphoridae.

Nuevos registros de mosquitos (Diptera Culicidae) para el estado Bolívar, Venezuela: Dos de ellos nuevos para el país / New records of mosquitoes (Diptera Culicidae) for the state of Bolivar, Venezuela: Two of them new to the country

En el presente trabajo se hace referencia por primera vez para el estado Bolívar de diez y nueve especies de mosquitos (Diptera Culicidae), pertenecientes a diez (10) géneros: Anopheles, Chagasia, Culex, Aedes, Mansonia, Coquilletidia, Uranotaenia, Psorophora, Limatus y Wyeomyia, de las subfamilias Anophelinae y Culicinae. Dos de estas especies, son citadas por primera vez para Venezuela: Chagasia bonneae Root, 1927 y Chagasia ablusa Harbach, 2009.

First report of 19 Culicidae species (Diptera: Culicidae) from Bolivar State is made, belonging to 10 genera of Anophelinae and Culicinae: Anopheles, Chagasia, Culex, Aedes, Mansonia, Coquilletidia, Uranotaenia, Psorophora, Limatus and Wyeomyia. Chagasia bonneae Root, 1927 and Chagasia ablusa Harbach, 2009 are reported for the first time in Venezuela.

[Highest mosquito records (Diptera: Culicidae) in Venezuela]. / Registros de mayor altitud para mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) en Venezuela.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are holometabolous insects with aquatic immature stages, which use a broad variety of larval habitats, from ground water bodies to Phytothelmata (water deposits in plants) and artificial deposits. The availability of breeding sites often determines the upper limits of mosquito ranges. We built a database with 9,607 records with 432 localities, 19 genera and 254 species. The Andean mountains have 77% of the highest mosquito records including Aedes euris with record at 3,133 m, followed by three species of Anopheles--subgenera Kerteszia--with the upper limit of 2,680 m. Wyeomyia bicornis and Culex daumastocampa at 2,550 m were the highest records in the Central-Coastal cordillera, while the highest record in Pantepui was Wyeomyia zinzala at 2,252 m. The species associated with phytothelmata (Bromeliaceae and Sarraceniaceae) represent 60% of the records. The upper limits of Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles (Kerteszia) species could represent the theoretical limit for transmission of filariasis or arboviruses, by Culex, and malaria by Anopheles (Kerteszia) in Venezuela. Similarly, a vector of Dengue, Aedes aegypti, has not been not recorded above 2,000 m.

Registros de mayor altitud para mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) en Venezuela

Highest mosquito records (Diptera: Culicidae) in Venezuela. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are holometabolous insects with aquatic immature stages, which use a broad variety of larval habitats, from ground water bodies to Phytothelmata (water deposits in plants) and artificial deposits. The availability of breeding sites often determines the upper limits of mosquito ranges. We built a database with 9 607 records with 432 localities, 19 genera and 254 species. The Andean mountains have 77% of the highest mosquito records including Aedes euris with record at 3 133 m, followed by three species of Anopheles -subgenera Kerteszia- with the upper limit of 2 680 m. Wyeomyia bicornis and Culex daumastocampa at 2 550 m were the highest records in the Central- Coastal cordillera, while the highest record in Pantepui was Wyeomyia zinzala at 2 252 m. The species associated with phytothelmata (Bromeliaceae and Sarraceniaceae) represent 60% of the records. The upper limits of Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles (Kerteszia) species could represent the theoretical limit for transmission of filariasis or arboviruses, by Culex, and malaria by Anopheles (Kerteszia) in Venezuela. Similarly, a vector of Dengue, Aedes aegypti, has not been not recorded above 2 000 m. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 245-254. Epub 2010 March 01.

Los mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) son insectos holometábolos con estadios inmaduros acuáticos que utilizan una amplia variedad de hábitats larvales, desde cuerpos de agua en el suelo hasta Fitotelmata (depósitos de agua en las plantas) y depósitos artificiales. La disponibilidad de sitios de reproducción a menudo determina el límite superior del ámbito de los mosquitos. Nosotros construimos una base de datos de 9 607 registros, 432 localidades, 19 géneros y 254 especies. La coordillera Andina posee el 77% de los registros con mayor altitud incluyendo Aedes euris con un registro a 3 300 m, seguido por tres especies de Anopheles -subgénero Kerteszia- con una altitud máxima de 2 680 m. Wyeomyia bicornis y Culex daumastocampa a 2 550 m fueron los registros de mayor altitud en la cordillera Costera- Central, mientras que el record más alto en Pantepui fue Wyeomyia zinzala a 2 252 m. El 60% de los registros de máxima altitud están representados por especies asociadas con fitotelmata (Bromeliaceae y Sarraceniaceae). Los límites superiores de Culex quinquefasciatus y Anopheles (Kerteszia) podría representar el límite teórico para la transmisión de filariasis o arbovirus, por Culex y malaria por Anopheles (Kerteszia) en Venezuela. Del mismo modo, un vector del dengue, Aedes aegypti, no ha sido registrado por encima de 2 000 m.

Clave fotográfica para hembras de Haemagogus Williston 1896 (Diptera: Culicidae) de Venezuela, con nuevo registro para el país / Pictorial key for females of Haemagogus Williston 1896 (Diptera: Culicidae) from Venezuela, with a new record for the country

El género neotropical Haemagogus Williston, está representado por mosquitos de actividad diurna, cuyas fases inmaduras se crían en fitotelmatas (huecos de árboles e internodos cortados de bambú). Especies de este género se han señalado involucradas en la transmisión de la Fiebre Amarilla selvática, virus que circula en áreas boscosas de América Latina entre primates no humanos y marsupiales arborícolas por la picada de estos mosquitos. De las 28 especies reconocidas en el continente, 9 se encuentran en Venezuela. Una de ellas, Heamagogus (Conopostegus) clarki constituye un nuevo registro para el país. Se presenta una actualización de la taxonomía y de la distribución geográfica del género en Venezuela, así como la primera clave fotográfica con términos sencillos para el uso de personal no experimentado.

The neotropical genus Heamagogus Williston includes mosquitoes with diurnal activity and immature breeding on Phytotelmata (tree-holes and cut bamboo internodes). Haemagogus species have been involved in sylvatic yellow fever transmission, a virus circulating in forest areas in Latin America among arboreal primates and marsupials by means of mosquito bite. The genus comprises 28 species, nine of them occurring in Venezuela. One of these, Haemagogus (Comopostegus) clarki, is a new record for this country. We show here an update of the taxonomic status and the geographical distribution of the genus in Venezuela and the first photographical key using simple terms for non-expert personnel

Primer registro para el estado Bolívar de Culex (Lutzia) bigoti Bellardi, 1862 (Diptera: Culicidae) / First record of Culex (Lutzia) bigoti Bellardi, 1862 (Diptera: Culicidae) un Bolivar state, Venezuela

En el presente trabajo se reporta por primera vez para el estado Bolívar la presencia de Culex (Lutzia) bigoti Bellardi. Con este nuevo registro la distribución geográfica de esta especie en Venezuela incluye hasta ahora doce (12) estados y el Distrito Federal

In this work we report for the first time the presence of Culex (Lutzia) bigoti Bellardi in Bolivar state. With this new record the geographical distribution of this species in Venezuela include so far twelve (12) states and the Distrito Federal

Morfología del cibario en subgéneros de Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Culicidae) / Cibarial morphology in Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy subgenera (Diptera: Culicidae)

We describe the cibarial morphology in eight Psorophora species Robineau-Desvoidy: Ps. (Grabhamia) cingulata (Fabricius), Ps. (Gra.) confinnis (Lynch Arribálzaga), Ps. (Janthinosoma) ferox (Humboldt), Ps. (Jan.) albipes (Theobald), Ps. (Jan.) cyanescens (Coquillett), Ps. (Psorophora) lineata (Humboldt), Ps. (Pso.) cilipes (Fabricius), y Ps. (Pso.) ciliata (Fabricius). The species belonging to subgenus Grabhamia Theobald are characterized by palatal papillae in central position and the presence of cibarial armature. The teeth in Ps. cingulata are equal meanwhile in Ps. confinnis the internal row is spatulate with apex denticulate. In Janthinosoma Lynch Arribálzaga we observed six palatal papillae (the fore pair with less size to others) and armature absent, instead we observe small spicules toward posterior plate: abundant in Ps. ferox, and few in Ps. albipes and Ps. cyanescens. The subgenus Psorophora presents four equal size palatal papillae, cibarial armature absent, also distinctive number of trichoid sensilla (12-17), in comparison to other two subgenera (5-10). We suggest to include those diagnostic characters in the future taxonomic and systematic studies in the genus Psorophora.

Se describe la morfología del cibario en ocho especies de Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy: Ps. (Grabhamia) cingulata (Fabricius), Ps. (Gra.) confinnis (Lynch Arribálzaga), Ps. (Janthinosoma) ferox (Humboldt), Ps. (Jan.) albipes (Theobald), Ps. (Jan.) cyanescens (Coquillett), Ps. (Psorophora) lineata (Humboldt), Ps. (Pso.) cilipes (Fabricius), y Ps. (Pso.) ciliata (Fabricius). Los integrantes del subgénero Grabhamia Theobald se caracterizan por la posición central de las papilas palatales y la presencia de armadura cibarial, en Ps. cingulata los dientes son todos iguales, mientras que en Ps. confinnis la hilera más interna es espatulada con ápices dentados. En Janthinosoma Lynch Arribálzaga se observaron seis papilas palatales, (el par anterior de menor tamaño a las otras), y no presenta armadura, no obstante, en su lugar se aprecian pequeñas espículas hacia la placa posterior, que variaron en Ps. ferox (abundantes sobre placa posterior), Ps. albipes y Ps. cyanescens (pocas sobre la placa posterior). En Psorophora se apreciaron cuatro papilas palatales de igual tamaño, no se presenta armadura cibarial, sin embargo, fueron distintivos el número de sensillas tricoideas (12-17) respecto a los otros subgéneros (5-10). Estas características permiten diferenciar los tres subgéneros, y sugieren la inclusión de dichos caracteres en los estudios taxonómicos o sistemáticos del género.

Fauna fitotelmata en las bromelias Aechmea fendleri André y Hohenbergia stellata Schult del Parque Nacional San Esteban, Venezuela / Fitotelmata fauna on the bromeleans Aechmea fendleri André y Hohenbergia stellata Schult of the San Esteban Nacional Park, Venezuela

El presente trabajo caracteriza la asociación de mosquitos y otros invertebrados sobre bromelias del Parque Nacional San Esteban del Estado Carabobo, Venezuela. Se estudiaron 18 plantas de Aechmea fendleri (11) y Hohenbergia stellata (7) durante las épocas lluvia (Septiembre 2004) y sequía (Marzo 2005). Fueron colectados un total de 2020 macroinvertebrados. Los taxa más importantes fueron las Familias Chironomidae (43 por ciento), Culicidae (25 por ciento) y Chaoboridae (6 por ciento) del Orden Diptera, y Scyrtidae (5 por ciento) del Orden Coleoptera. En Culicidae las especies más abundantesfueron: Culex consolador (31 por ciento), Cx. neglectus (27 por ciento) y Wyeomyia celaenocephala (17 por ciento). La mayor abundancia y riqueza se encontró en la época de sequía, con el aumento de diversidad en Culicidae. La diversidad y equitabilidad de macroinvertebrados fue mayor H. stellata, pero similares entre estaciones para las comunidades de A. fendleri y H. stellata.

In the present work, we characterize the associations of mosquitoes species and other invertebrates on bromeliads from San Esteban National Park in Carabobo State, Venezuela. Eighteen plants of Aechmea fendleri (11) and Hohenbergia stellata (7) were sampled in rainy (September 2004) and dry (March 2005) seasons. A total of 2020 macroinvertebrates were collected. The most important was the Diptera Order, with the Families Chironomidae (43 per cent), Chaoboridae (25 per cent) and Culicidae (6 per cent), and the Coleoptera, Scyrtidae (5 per cent). In Culicidae the most abundant species were Culex consolator (31 per cent), Cx. neglectus (27 per cent) and Wyeomyia celaenocephala (17 per cent). The highest abundance and richness was in dry season, when Culicidae diversity increases. The diversity and evenness was similar among season and it was highest in H. stellata.

[Cibarial morphology in Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy subgenera (Diptera: Culicidae)]. / Morfología del cibario en subgéneros de Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Culicidae).

We describe the cibarial morphology in eight Psorophora species Robineau-Desvoidy: Ps. (Grabhamia) cingulata (Fabricius), Ps. (Gra.) confinnis (Lynch Arribálzaga), Ps. (Janthinosoma) ferox (Humboldt), Ps. (Jan.) albipes (Theobald), Ps. (Jan.) cyanescens (Coquillett), Ps. (Psorophora) lineata (Humboldt), Ps. (Pso.) cilipes (Fabricius), y Ps. (Pso.) ciliata (Fabricius). The species belonging to subgenus Grabhamia Theobald are characterized by palatal papillae in central position and the presence of cibarial armature. The teeth in Ps. cingulata are equal meanwhile in Ps. confinnis the internal row is spatulate with apex denticulate. In Janthinosoma Lynch Arribálzaga we observed six palatal papillae (the fore pair with less size to others) and armature absent, instead we observe small spicules toward posterior plate: abundant in Ps. ferox, and few in Ps. albipes and Ps. cyanescens. The subgenus Psorophora presents four equal size palatal papillae, cibarial armature absent, also distinctive number of trichoid sensilla (12-17), in comparison to other two subgenera (5-10). We suggest to include those diagnostic characters in the future taxonomic and systematic studies in the genus Psorophora.

Wyeomyia trujilloi Pulido y Sutil, 1981, nuevo sinónimo de Wyeomyia bicornis (Root, 1928) (Culicidae: Sabethini), con redescripción de la pupa y parte de la larva / Wyeomyia trujilloi Pulido & Sutil, 1981, new synonym of Wyeomyia bicornis (Root,1928) (Culicidae: Sabethini), with redescription of the pupa and part of the larva

Wyeomyia (Wyeomyia) trujilloi Pulido &Sutil, 1981 es reconocido como sinonimia de Wyeomyia (Nunezia) bicornis (Root, 1928), con base en la morfología de larva, piezas bucales, pupay genitales del macho en comparación con el holotipo de Wy. bicornis, topotipos y conforme con un análisis del holotipo de Wy. trujilloi. Se provee una explicación e ilustración sobre las características a nivel subgenérico de Nunezia. Para Wy. bicornis la morfología cefálica de la larva es redescrita. La morfología y quetotaxia de la pupa y las piezas bucales de la larva son descritas e ilustradas por primera vez.

Ecological characterization of the aquatic habitats of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in enzootic foci of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus in western Venezuela.

We studied the aquatic mosquito habitats in and around enzootic foci of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEE) in western Venezuela. Specimens were sampled for 5 mo in three types of vegetation: tall lowland tropical forests, short inundated/secondary growth forests, and pastures/herbaceous vegetation around forests. Ground pools, flooded pastures, swamps, ponds, and canals predominated. We used a multivariate statistical approach to quantitatively assess the relationships of mosquito species with broad categories of the landscape, and with environmental variables within each aquatic habitat. Twenty-four mosquito species in the genera Aedes, Psorophora, Culex, Mansonia, and Uranotaenia were collected. Species richness was higher in the tall forests than in other types of vegetation. Discriminant Function Analysis showed a strong association between landscape category and mosquito species assemblage and identified Culex erraticus Dyar & Knab and Mansonia titillans Walker as indicator species of open areas, and Aedes serratus Theobald as an indicator of tall forests. M. titillans, Uranotaenia geometrica Theobald, Cx. erraticus, and Culex dunni Dyar were associated with unshaded, warm, vegetated waters in flooded pastures and swamps, whereas Ae. serratus, Aedes fulvus (Wiedemann), Psorophora albipes Theobald, Psorophora ferox (Humboldt), Culex caudelli Dyar & Knab, and Culex pedroi Sirivanakarn & Belkin were associated with small, shaded ground pools within the tall forests. Culex coronator Dyar & Knab was associated with partially exposed sites within short forests. These results allowed us to interpret better our previous studies on mosquito adult spread in the study area and their possible role as VEEV disseminators.

Contrasting sylvatic foci of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus in northern South America.

The ecology of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus transmission was compared at three enzootic foci: two forest sites in the Catatumbo region of western Venezuela that have yielded small numbers of virus isolates since the 1970s, and another focus in the middle Magdalena Valley of Colombia that has consistently yielded many VEE virus isolates. Our results demonstrated dramatic differences in VEE virus isolation rates from sentinel hamsters, as well as differences in mosquito species composition and captured mammals with antibodies to VEE virus, between the Colombian and Venezuelan study sites. The higher isolation rate of enzootic VEE virus in the Colombian site was associated with a more abundant fauna of spiny rats (Proechimys spp.), known reservoir hosts of enzootic VEE virus. Mosquito collections demonstrated that the Colombian forest had a higher mosquito diversity and species evenness than either of the Venezuelan forests. The Colombian focus was especially richer in its Culex (Melanoconion) spp. fauna, a subgenus that includes all proven enzootic vectors for VEE virus. Our results suggest that the greater abundance, diversity, and stability of enzootic vector populations, combined with the greater density of rodent reservoir hosts, explains the higher levels of VEE virus circulation in the Colombian focus compared with the Venezuelan forests.