Community composition of black flies during and after the 2020 vesicular stomatitis virus outbreak in Southern New Mexico, USA.

BACKGROUND: Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a vector-borne pathogen of livestock, emerges periodically in the western US. In New Mexico (NM), US, most cases occur close to the Rio Grande River, implicating black flies (Simulium spp.) as a possible vector. In 2020, VS cases were reported in NM from April to May, although total black fly abundance remained high until September. We investigated the hypothesis that transience of local VSV transmission results from transient abundance of key, competent black fly species. Additionally, we investigated whether irrigation canals in southern NM support a different community of black flies than the main river. Lastly, to gain insight into the source of local black flies, in 2023 we collected black fly larvae prior to the release of water into the Rio Grande River channel. METHODS: We randomly sub-sampled adult black flies collected along the Rio Grande during and after the 2020 VSV outbreak. We also collected black fly adults along the river in 2021 and 2022 and at southern NM farms and irrigation canals in 2022. Black fly larvae were collected from dams in the area in 2023. All collections were counted, and individual specimens were subjected to molecular barcoding for species identification. RESULTS: DNA barcoding of adult black flies detected four species in 2020: Simulium meridionale (N = 158), S. mediovittatum (N = 83), S. robynae (N = 26) and S. griseum/notatum (N = 1). Simulium robynae was only detected during the VSV outbreak period, S. meridionale showed higher relative abundance, but lower absolute abundance, during the outbreak than post-outbreak period, and S. mediovittatum was rare during the outbreak period but predominated later in the summer. In 2022, relative abundance of black fly species did not differ significantly between the Rio Grande sites and farm and irrigation canals. Intriguingly, 63 larval black flies comprised 56% Simulium vittatum, 43% S. argus and 1% S. encisoi species that were either extremely rare or not detected in previous adult collections. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that S. robynae and S. meridionale could be shaping patterns of VSV transmission in southern NM. Thus, field studies of the source of these species as well as vector competence studies are warranted.

Canine ocular onchocerciasis in New Mexico: Risk factors for disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dogs are at variable risk of developing canine ocular onchocerciasis based on coat color or size, factors that may influence feeding behavior of the putative vectors of Onchocerca lupi¸ the filarial nematode parasite causing this disease. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred twenty-five client-owned dogs diagnosed with confirmed or suspected onchocerciasis. 1255 dogs without signs of this disease were utilized for comparison. PROCEDURES: Dogs lacking signs of canine onchocerciasis were assessed for coat color and weight. Proportions of dogs with these characteristics were used to predict signalment in a group of dogs with this disease, if the investigated characteristics were unrelated to disease risk. Predicted values were compared statistically with observed values in the diseased dog population. Black fly color preference was assessed utilizing black, brown, and white traps and statistically assessing any differences in trapping based on trap color. RESULTS: Results suggest that large, black dogs are more likely to develop canine ocular onchocerciasis than was predicted by chance alone (p = 0.012). Results for smaller dogs with other coat colors were not significant. An increased risk for black dogs was supported by trapping data, as black flies were trapped significantly more often in black traps (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While factors other than size and color probably also influence the likelihood of O. lupi infection and disease development, our results may assist clinicians in their diagnosis of canine ocular onchocerciasis and provide them with a tool to help educate their clients as to their dogs' risk of developing this disease.

Redescription of adults of Simulium jeteri (Py-Daniel, Darwich, Mardini, Strieder amp; Coscarón, 2005) (Diptera: Simuliidae).

Simulium jeteri (Py-Daniel, Darwich, Mardini, Strieder Coscarón, 2005) was not fully described, because only pharate male and female adults extracted from pupae were used for the original descriptions. Important diagnostic characters were either incompletely or poorly described. During field work in areas at the same hydrographic basin of the type-locality, we were able to rear adult stages. The main objective of this study is to redescribe the male and female of S. jeteri, providing a complete description, including morphological characteristics not reported before, such as, presence of a median ventral projection on male ventral plate and a bilobed anal lobe on female terminalia. Additional characters of pupae and larvae are given. The addition of new characters will be useful to better understand phylogenetic relationships among species in this group. Females of S. jeteri are not known to bite.

Colonization of benthic invertebrates on artificial and natural substrate in a Neotropical lotic environment in Southern Brazil

The objective of this research was to validate the colonization process on natural and artificial substrates by benthic invertebrates in a tropical stream in South Brazil. The samples were performed in July and August-2012, and 32 samplers were used, being 16 natural and 16 artificial substrates. In each sample, two replicas were taken for each substrate at the 2th, 4th, 7th, 14th, 21th28th, 35th and 42thdays of colonization. The organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In both substrates 3,070 benthic invertebrates were detected, of which 1,753 individuals were collected on the natural substrate, and 1,317 on the artificial substrate. From the identified taxa 8.5% were not dominant (Anacroneuria, Orthocladiinae, Tupiara, Smicridea, Baetodes, Tupiperla, Macrogynoplax, Gripopteryx, Cylloepus, Macrelmis, Microcylloepus, Hetaerina, Argia, Coryphaeschna, Atopsyche, Pomacea, Corydalus, Leptohyphes and Eccoptura), and31.5% were dominant (Tanypodinae, Chironominae, and Paragripopteryx). The genus Simulium was very common, dominant and abundant, representing 65% of the collected individuals. No significant difference was found in the abundance and species composition between artificial and natural substrates. On the natural substrate, the higher colonization index was at the 35th day with 459 individuals, and the lowest was at the 14th day, with 87. On the artificial substrate the highest index was at the 42thday with 337 individuals, and the lowest was at the 4th day, with 85. Both natural and artificial substrates are efficient in characterizing the benthic community. In the evaluation of the ecological succession, it was not possible to observe a pattern that described the process, since the composition was nearly constant throughout the study period.

The Genomic Architecture of Novel Simulium damnosum Wolbachia Prophage Sequence Elements and Implications for Onchocerciasis Epidemiology.

Research interest in Wolbachia is growing as new discoveries and technical advancements reveal the public health importance of both naturally occurring and artificial infections. Improved understanding of the Wolbachia bacteriophages (WOs) WOcauB2 and WOcauB3 [belonging to a sub-group of four WOs encoding serine recombinases group 1 (sr1WOs)], has enhanced the prospect of novel tools for the genetic manipulation of Wolbachia. The basic biology of sr1WOs, including host range and mode of genomic integration is, however, still poorly understood. Very few sr1WOs have been described, with two such elements putatively resulting from integrations at the same Wolbachia genome loci, about 2 kb downstream from the FtsZ cell-division gene. Here, we characterize the DNA sequence flanking the FtsZ gene of wDam, a genetically distinct line of Wolbachia isolated from the West African onchocerciasis vector Simulium squamosum E. Using Roche 454 shot-gun and Sanger sequencing, we have resolved >32 kb of WO prophage sequence into three contigs representing three distinct prophage elements. Spanning ≥36 distinct WO open reading frame gene sequences, these prophage elements correspond roughly to three different WO modules: a serine recombinase and replication module (sr1RRM), a head and base-plate module and a tail module. The sr1RRM module contains replication genes and a Holliday junction recombinase and is unique to the sr1 group WOs. In the extreme terminal of the tail module there is a SpvB protein homolog-believed to have insecticidal properties and proposed to have a role in how Wolbachia parasitize their insect hosts. We propose that these wDam prophage modules all derive from a single WO genome, which we have named here sr1WOdamA1. The best-match database sequence for all of our sr1WOdamA1-predicted gene sequences was annotated as of Wolbachia or Wolbachia phage sourced from an arthropod. Clear evidence of exchange between sr1WOdamA1 and other Wolbachia WO phage sequences was also detected. These findings provide insights into how Wolbachia could affect a medically important vector of onchocerciasis, with potential implications for future control methods, as well as supporting the hypothesis that Wolbachia phages do not follow the standard model of phage evolution.

Taxonomy and polytene chromosomes of the Neotropical black fly Simulium perplexum (Diptera: Simuliidae).

Simulium perplexum Shelley, Maia-Herzog, Luna Dias & Couch is structurally similar in the pupal stage to Simulium guianense Wise, the main vector in the onchocerciasis foci of Amazonian Brazil and Venezuela. We report S. perplexum for the first time beyond its type locality (Guyana, Potaro River), describe its larva, redescribe its pupa, and provide a chromosomal comparison with S. guianense and other morphologically similar species. We collected it in two rivers in Rurópolis municipality, Pará state, Brazil. The larvae can be distinguished from those of related species by having body cuticle with microscopic, translucent, and lanceolate setae. Chromosomal comparisons of S. perplexum and similar Brazilian species with available chromosome information (S. guianense, S. hirtipupa Lutz, and S. litobranchium Hamada, Pepinelli, Mattos-Glória & Luz), using S. guianense Cytoform A as the standard, show that S. perplexum has the nucleolar organizer uniquely in the middle of the short arm of chromosome I, whereas the other three species have this marker at the base of the long arm of chromosome I. All chromosome arms, except IIS and IIIS, of S. perplexum are rearranged, compared with S. guianense Cytoform A, suggesting that it is not closely related to this species or to S. litobranchium, as suggested by some authors, based on morphological features.

Factors affecting onchocerciasis transmission: lessons for infection control.

INTRODUCTION: Onchocerca volvulus infects in excess of 15 million people. The vectors are Simulium blackflies, varieties of which differ in their ecologies, behavior and vectorial abilities. Control of the vectors and mass administrations of ivermectin have succeeded in reducing prevalences with elimination achieved in some foci, particularly in Central and southern America. In Africa, progress towards elimination has been less successful. Areas covered: Even with community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI), control has been difficult in African areas with initial prevalences in excess of 55%, especially if only annual treatments are dispensed. This is partly attributable to insufficient coverage, but the appearance of incipiently resistant non-responding parasites and lack of attention to vector biology in modeling and planning outcomes of intervention programmes have also played their parts, with recrudescence now appearing in some treated areas. Expert commentary: The biology of onchocerciasis is complex involving different vectors with differing abilities to transmit parasites, diverse pathologies related to geographical and parasite variations and endosymbionts in both parasite and vector. Modeling to predict epidemiological and control outcomes is addressing this complexity but more attention needs to be given to the vectors' roles to further understanding of where and when control measures will succeed.

Histochemical and molecular evaluation of the prevalence of Leishmania spp. in hematophagous insects.

The prevalence study of Leishmania spp. in hematophagous insects captured from the environment in bat roosts and pigeon nests, or feeding their hosts (cattle, pigs, horses, dogs and humans) in urban, peri-urban and rural areas, between 2012 and 2014. For this study, the amastigotes present in these insects were detected by histochemical and PCR techniques. Positive gene amplification for Leishmania was found in two horseflies of the species Tabanus importunus collected in the environment, and amastigote forms of Leishmania spp., as well as erythrocytes and leukocytes, were histochemically detected in one of that insect. The other analyzed insects were not positive by PCR our by direct parasitological examination. Only horseflies captured in urban and peri-urban areas were positive. During the collection, no phlebotomine sand flies were captured in rural areas far from the city limits. It can be concluded that the discovery of horseflies positive for Leishmania spp. in urban and peri-urban areas indicates the likelihood that urban areas and their surroundings provide vector parasites with an environment suitable for the spread and consequent perpetuation of the biological cycle of this protozoan.

New tools and insights to assist with the molecular identification of Simulium guianense s.l., main Onchocerca volvulus vector within the highland areas of the Amazonia onchocerciasis focus.

Following the success of the Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme for the Americas (OEPA), there is now just one Latin American onchocerciasis focus where onchocerciasis transmission is described as 'on-going:' the Amazonia Onchocerciasis focus. In the hyperendemic highland areas of the Amazonia focus, Simulium guianense s.l. Wise are the most important vectors of the disease. Populations of S. guianense s.l. are, however, known to vary in their cytogenetics and in a range of behaviours, including in their biting habits. In the hypoendemic lowland areas of the Amazonia focus, for example, S. guianense s.l. are generally regarded as zoophilic and consequently unimportant to disease transmission. Robust tools, to discriminate among various populations of S. guianense s.l. have, however, not yet been developed. In the work reported here, we have assessed the utility of a ribosomal DNA sequence fragment spanning the nuclear ribosomal ITS-1, ITS-2 and 5.8S sequence regions and a ∼850 nucleotide portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (CO1) for species-level identification and for resolving the within species substructuring. We report here how we have generated 78 CO1 sequences from a rich set of both zoophilic and anthropophilic populations of S. guianense s.l. that were collected from eight sites that are broadly distributed across Brazil. Consistent with previous findings, our analysis supports the genetic isolation of Simulium litobranchium from S. guianense s.l. In contrast with previous findings, however, our results did not provide support for the divergence of the two species prior to the radiation of S. guianense s.l. In our analysis of the S. guianense s.l. ribosomal DNA sequence trace files we generated, we provide clear evidence of multiple within-specimen single nucleotide polymorphisms and indels suggesting that S. guianense s.l. ribosomal DNA is not a good target for conventional DNA barcoding. This is the first report of S. guianense s.l. within individual ribosomal DNA variation and thus the first evidence that the species is not subject to the normal effects of concerted evolution. Collectively, these data illustrate the need for diverse sampling in the development of robust molecular tools for vector identification and suggest that ribosomal DNA might be able to assist with resolving S. guianense s.l. species substructuring that C01 barcoding has hitherto failed to.

Diversidade e aspectos ambientais bioecológicos de simulídeos (Diptera: Simulidae) que ocorrem nos municípios adjacentes a construções da Usina Hidrelética de Peixe-Angical, TO, Brasil / Bio-ecological diversity and environmental aspects of black flies (Diptera: Simulidae ) occurring in neighboring municipalities of the construction of the Hydroelectric Plant Facility of Peixe-Angical, TO, Brazil

O objetivo desta Tese é realizar o levantamento taxonômico e avaliar a dinâmica populacional de Simuliidae em localidades sob influência do Aproveitamento Hidrelétrico de Peixe Angical, TO. [...] As amostras foram obtidas em áreas de influência direta e indireta da UHE Peixe no rio Tocantins, em 12 pontos diferentes de coleta, nos municípios deJaú do Tocantins, Peixe, Palmeirópolis, Paranã e São Salvador do Tocantins. Foram realizadas bimestralmente de 2004 a 2007, um total de 24 campanhas para coleta em criadouros pré-selecionados, que acompanharam todas as fases de construção – início das obras, formação do lago, funcionamento da Usina. OS dados abióticos foram aferidos, e os imaturos removidos do substrato manualmente por 10 minutos e posteriormente preparados para eclosão dos adultos. Parte do material foi identificado no Laboratório de Simulídeos e Oncocercose do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, onde foram verificados novos registros específicos para a ocorrência de Simuliidae em Tocantins, além do assinalamento de espécies antropofílicas e/ou vetores de Onchocerca volvulus. Nas áreas usadas para a formação do lago houve desaparecimento de criadouros. O desmatamento ocorrido aliado ao vigor dos simulídeos que conseguem realizar voos de longas distâncias na procura de alimento ou locais adequados a oviposição devem ter contribuído para a dispersão de espécimes. Há relatos sobre a da ocorrência de oncocercose na área estudada, um foco foi demarcado na divisa de Goiás com Tocantins, municípios Paranã e Minaçu investigado a partir de um caso autóctone de oncocercose. Este estudo é relevante uma vez que o Brasil possui potencial hidroenergético e prevê a construção de inúmeras hidrelétricas nos próximos anos. É importante estudas as áreas impactadas, conhecer a sua biodiversidade e os aspectos bioecológicos de Simuliidae no país.

This project aims to carry out the taxonomic survey and population dynamics of Simuliidae in locations under the use influence of hydroelectric power station at Peixe Angical (Tocantins). [...] The differential of this project is to establish the seasonality and population dynamics of immature as well as adult black-flies. Samples were obtained in areas of direct and indirect influence of Peixe Hydroelectric power station in 12 different collecting sites in the municipalities of Peixe, Paranã, Palmeirópolis, Jaú and São Salvador do Tocantins. Were conducted bimonthly from 2004 to 2007, a total of 24 campaigns, which accompanied building phases: start of groundwork, lake formation and operation of the plant. All abiotic data were registered and immature black-flies removed from the substrate for 10 minutes and prepared for the outbreaking of adults. Part of the material has been identified at the Simuliidae and Onchocerciasis laboratory at Oswaldo Cruz Institute, where new records of specific occurrence of Simuliidae in Tocantins have been registered, as well as anthropophilic species and / or vectors of Onchocerca volvulus. Mansonella ozzardi of vector species were not collected in the study area. It is expected that the prevalence is higher in the rainy months of the year. In areas where there was a lake formation there was loss of habitats. Black-flies can fly long distances in search of food or oviposition sites and that fact, coupled with deforestation may lead to the dispersal of species. There is a report on the occurrence of an autochthonous case of onchocerciasis in Paranã and Minaçu, municipality of Goiás and boarding area of the studied sites. This study is relevant to knowledge of biodiversity and bioecological aspects of Simuliidae in Brazil.

Distribuição e abundância de larvas de Simulium spp. em córregos do estado de São Paulo nos diferentes níveis de qualidade da água / Distribution and abundance of Simulium spp. in streams of the state of São Paulo (Brazil) with different water quality

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a distribuição e a abundância de espécies do gênero Simulium em 5 córregos do litoral norte paulista, com diferentes níveis de poluição.Larvas de simulídeos e amostras de água de cada córrego foram coletadas quinzenalmente no verão e no inverno de 2001. Para a amostragem das larvas foram colocados substratos artificiais em triplicata. A cada intervalo de 15 dias as larvas foram retiradas com auxílio de pinças entomológicas, acondicionadas em frascos de vidro com álcool 70% e transportadas ao laboratório para triagem, contagem e identificação. Nos locais da coleta foram obtidos valores de temperatura, oxigênio, condutividade, pH da água e vazão do córrego e em laboratório as amostras de água foram analisadas, obtendo-se valor es de nitrogênio total e dissolvido, N-amoniacal, N-nitrito, N-nitrato, ortofosfato, fósforo total e dissolvido. Pode-se observar que a qualidade da água foi um fator determinante tanto para a distribuição como para a abundância das espécies. S. pertinax ocorreu em ambientesmais limpos, S. inaequale nos mais poluídos e S. incrustatum nos intermediários.A espécie predominante foi S. pertinax com 57,5% de presença total nos criadouros, S.inaequale com 42,1% e S. incrustatum com pouca representatividade, 0,4% de presençanas amostras. A menor abundância de larvas foi registrada nos ambientes poluídos...

The aim of this work was to determine the distribution and abundance the species of Simulium:in 5 streams of the north coastal region of the state of São Paulo. Simulium larval andwater samples were collected every 2 weeks in summer and winter, 2001. The larval werecollected on artificial substrates (triplicate) preserved in alcohol (70%) and after analyzedquantitative and qualitative. From the streams the values of temperature, dissolved oxygen,conductivity, pH and stream discharge were measured. The contents of total nitrogenand dissolved nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, orthophosphate, dissolvedphosphorus and total phosphorus were determined in the laboratory. Water quality hasgreat influence in the distribution and abundance of the species. S. pertinax was moreabundant in streams without or with low levels of pollution, S. inaequale in streams morepolluted and S. incrustatum in intermediary levels of pollution. S. pertinax was the speciesmore abundant with 57.5% of presence in the samples, the second more abundant wasS. inaequale with 42.1% of presence and S. incrustatum was rare with 0.4% of presence.The larval abundance was lower in the polluted environment...

Desenvolvimento larval de Simulium (Chirostilbia)pertinax (Diptera: Simuliidae) em criadouro artificial / Larval development of Simulium (Chirostilbia) pertinax (Diptera: Simuliidae) in an artificial breeding site

Este estudo teve por objetivo observar a influência de diferentes concentrações de nutrientes sobre o período de desenvolvimento larvário de Simulium (Chirostilbia) pertinax.Foram coletadas fêmeas de S. (C.) pertinax ingurgitadas e submetidas à ovi posição por “stress”. Os ovos foram retirados e transportados a um criadouro artificial, no qualforam comparados dois suplementos alimentares: alga e levedura, em diferentes concentrações.Poucas variações dos fatores abióticos foram observadas durante o estudo,encontrando-se dentro dos padrões para a espécie S. (C.) pertinax. Em relação à taxade formação de pupas, foi observada uma maior taxa na concentração de 5 ml de alga+ 10 ml de levedura, com diferença significativa em relação às concentrações de 10 mlde alga + 5 ml de levedura. Nos testes com 5 ml de alga, 10 ml de levedura e 5 ml delevedura, não foi obtido o término do desenvolvimento larvário em todas as repetições.A pouca variação dos fatores abióticos é compatível com resultados de outros autores;assim, os valores observados neste experimento podem ser considerados adequados,quando comparados aos padrões exigidos por esta espécie...

This study aimed to observe the influence of different concentrations of nutrients overthe period of development of Simulium (Chirostilbia) pertinax larvae. Were collected Simulium pertinax engorged females and then subjected to oviposition under stress.The eggs were removed and transported to an artificial breeding site, in which two alimentarysupplements were compared, viz. algae and yeast in different concentrations.Few variations of abiotic factors were observed during the study, and they were withinthe standards of the S. (C.) pertinax species. Regarding the rate of pupae formation,a higher concentration of 5 ml of algae + 10 ml of yeast was observed, with significantdifferences in concentrations of 10 ml of algae and 10 ml of algae and 5 ml of yeast. Intests with 5ml of algae, 10 ml of yeast, and 5 ml of yeast, the end of larval developmentwas not obtained in all replications. The small variation of abiotic factors is consistentwith results of other authors, and the values observed in this experiment can be regardedas appropriate when compared to the standards required by this species...

Dermatite alérgica à picada de insetos em ovinos no estado do Pará / Allergic dermatitis to insect bites in sheep in the state of Pará

Foi estudada uma doença em 159 ovinos em 15 propriedades localizadas em sete municípios das mesorregiões nordeste e sudeste do estado do Pará e uma em um município do estado de Roraima. Os ovinos da raça Santa Inês e seus mestiços, de ambos os sexos e com dois a quatro anos de idade, eram os mais acometidos. A doença caracterizava-se por alopecia em diversas regiões do corpo, principalmente ao redor dos olhos; essas lesões evoluíam para eritemas multifocais, pequenas pápulas e crostas. Os animais apresentavam prurido intenso no local das lesões, inquietação, perda de peso e corrimento ocular. Sempre era observada a presença de mosquitos ao redor dos animais. Com o auxílio de um puçá foi realizada a captura de insetos associados às lesões, durante o repasto nos ovinos, para a identificação. Foram identificados insetos dos gêneros Simulium e Hippelates. Realizou-se biópsia da pele lesada de 10 ovinos. As lesões histológicas se caracterizaram por leves infiltrados inflamatórios mononucleares na derme, com presença de eosinófilos. Os estudos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos desses casos, bem como o descarte dos diagnósticos diferenciais, permitiram concluir que se trata de dermatite alérgica por picada de insetos.(AU)

A skin disease was studied in 159 sheep on 15 farms located in seven counties of northeastern and southeastern of the state of Pará and in one farm in the state of Roraima, Brazil. The disease affected mainly two to four year-old sheep of the Santa Ines breed and crossbreds. Clinical signs were characterized by alopecia, multifocal erythema, small papules, and crusts in several areas of the body, mainly around the eyes. Severe itching in the affected areas, restless, weight loss and lacrimation were also observed. Insects were always seen around the animals. Insects apparently associated with the lesions were captured and identified as pertaining to the genera Simulium and Hippelates. Biopsies of the skin lesions of 10 sheep revealed inflammatory non suppurative mononuclear infiltrates of the dermis with presence of eosinophils. The epidemiologic, clinical and pathological studies of the cases allowed the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis due to the insect bites.(AU)

Dermatite alérgica à picada de insetos em ovinos no estado do Pará / Allergic dermatitis to insect bites in sheep in the state of Pará

Foi estudada uma doença em 159 ovinos em 15 propriedades localizadas em sete municípios das mesorregiões nordeste e sudeste do estado do Pará e uma em um município do estado de Roraima. Os ovinos da raça Santa Inês e seus mestiços, de ambos os sexos e com dois a quatro anos de idade, eram os mais acometidos. A doença caracterizava-se por alopecia em diversas regiões do corpo, principalmente ao redor dos olhos; essas lesões evoluíam para eritemas multifocais, pequenas pápulas e crostas. Os animais apresentavam prurido intenso no local das lesões, inquietação, perda de peso e corrimento ocular. Sempre era observada a presença de mosquitos ao redor dos animais. Com o auxílio de um puçá foi realizada a captura de insetos associados às lesões, durante o repasto nos ovinos, para a identificação. Foram identificados insetos dos gêneros Simulium e Hippelates. Realizou-se biópsia da pele lesada de 10 ovinos. As lesões histológicas se caracterizaram por leves infiltrados inflamatórios mononucleares na derme, com presença de eosinófilos. Os estudos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos desses casos, bem como o descarte dos diagnósticos diferenciais, permitiram concluir que se trata de dermatite alérgica por picada de insetos.

A skin disease was studied in 159 sheep on 15 farms located in seven counties of northeastern and southeastern of the state of Pará and in one farm in the state of Roraima, Brazil. The disease affected mainly two to four year-old sheep of the Santa Ines breed and crossbreds. Clinical signs were characterized by alopecia, multifocal erythema, small papules, and crusts in several areas of the body, mainly around the eyes. Severe itching in the affected areas, restless, weight loss and lacrimation were also observed. Insects were always seen around the animals. Insects apparently associated with the lesions were captured and identified as pertaining to the genera Simulium and Hippelates. Biopsies of the skin lesions of 10 sheep revealed inflammatory non suppurative mononuclear infiltrates of the dermis with presence of eosinophils. The epidemiologic, clinical and pathological studies of the cases allowed the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis due to the insect bites.

The black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Santa Catarina, Brazil

The Simuliidae fauna from the Santa Catarina state, Brazil, was documented, based primarily on specimens deposited in the collections of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil and the La Plata Museum, Argentina. The results of our survey are organized by mesoregion and by municipality. Of the 51 municipalities where black flies were recorded, 46 represented new unpublished locality records. A total of 29 species belonging to two genera and eight subgenera were found, among which five are new records for the Santa Catarina state. The species recorded are (new records are marked with a *): Lutzsimulium hirticosta, Simuliium (Chirostilbia) acarayense, S. (Chirostilbia) distinctum, S. (Chirostilbia) empascae, S. (Chirostilbia) pertinax, S. (Chirostilbia) riograndense, S. (Chirostilbia) subpallidum, S. (Ectemnaspis) dinellii, S. (Ectemnaspis) lutzianum, S. (Ectemnaspis) perflavum, S. (Hemicnetha) rubrithorax, S. (Inaequalium) botulibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) clavibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) inaequale, S. (Inaequalium) itaunense, S. (Inaequalium) nogueirai, S. (Inaequalium) subclavibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) subnigrum, S. (Inaequalium) travassosi, S. (Notolepria) paraguayense*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) anamariae*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) angrense, S. (Psaroniocompsa) auripellitum, S. (Psaroniocompsa) auristriatum*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) incrustatum, S. (Psaroniocompsa) jujuyense, S. (Psaroniocompsa) limbatum*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) minuanum*, and S. (Thyrsopelma) orbitale.

The black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Santa Catarina, Brazil

The Simuliidae fauna from the Santa Catarina state, Brazil, was documented, based primarily on specimens deposited in the collections of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil and the La Plata Museum, Argentina. The results of our survey are organized by mesoregion and by municipality. Of the 51 municipalities where black flies were recorded, 46 represented new unpublished locality records. A total of 29 species belonging to two genera and eight subgenera were found, among which five are new records for the Santa Catarina state. The species recorded are (new records are marked with a *): Lutzsimulium hirticosta, Simuliium (Chirostilbia) acarayense, S. (Chirostilbia) distinctum, S. (Chirostilbia) empascae, S. (Chirostilbia) pertinax, S. (Chirostilbia) riograndense, S. (Chirostilbia) subpallidum, S. (Ectemnaspis) dinellii, S. (Ectemnaspis) lutzianum, S. (Ectemnaspis) perflavum, S. (Hemicnetha) rubrithorax, S. (Inaequalium) botulibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) clavibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) inaequale, S. (Inaequalium) itaunense, S. (Inaequalium) nogueirai, S. (Inaequalium) subclavibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) subnigrum, S. (Inaequalium) travassosi, S. (Notolepria) paraguayense*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) anamariae*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) angrense, S. (Psaroniocompsa) auripellitum, S. (Psaroniocompsa) auristriatum*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) incrustatum, S. (Psaroniocompsa) jujuyense, S. (Psaroniocompsa) limbatum*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) minuanum*, and S. (Thyrsopelma) orbitale.

The black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Santa Catarina, Brazil

The Simuliidae fauna from the Santa Catarina state, Brazil, was documented, based primarily on specimens deposited in the collections of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil and the La Plata Museum, Argentina. The results of our survey are organized by mesoregion and by municipality. Of the 51 municipalities where black flies were recorded, 46 represented new unpublished locality records. A total of 29 species belonging to two genera and eight subgenera were found, among which five are new records for the Santa Catarina state. The species recorded are (new records are marked with a *): Lutzsimulium hirticosta, Simuliium (Chirostilbia) acarayense, S. (Chirostilbia) distinctum, S. (Chirostilbia) empascae, S. (Chirostilbia) pertinax, S. (Chirostilbia) riograndense, S. (Chirostilbia) subpallidum, S. (Ectemnaspis) dinellii, S. (Ectemnaspis) lutzianum, S. (Ectemnaspis) perflavum, S. (Hemicnetha) rubrithorax, S. (Inaequalium) botulibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) clavibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) inaequale, S. (Inaequalium) itaunense, S. (Inaequalium) nogueirai, S. (Inaequalium) subclavibranchium, S. (Inaequalium) subnigrum, S. (Inaequalium) travassosi, S. (Notolepria) paraguayense*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) anamariae*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) angrense, S. (Psaroniocompsa) auripellitum, S. (Psaroniocompsa) auristriatum*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) incrustatum, S. (Psaroniocompsa) jujuyense, S. (Psaroniocompsa) limbatum*, S. (Psaroniocompsa) minuanum*, and S. (Thyrsopelma) orbitale.

Distribuição espacial e variação temporal da composição de espécies de borrachudos (Diptera: Simuliidae) em uma microbacia situada no norte do Paraná / Spatial distribution and temporal variation in composition of black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) in a small watershed located in the Northern of Paraná State, Brazil

In this work, the survey of simuliid species and the study of their spatial distribution in four streams of a small watershed situated in Londrina, Paraná State, were carried out from January to October 2007. Changes in the species composition of the breeding sites were also checked along the sampling months. Seventeen black fly species were found, being Simulium botulibranchium Lutz, Simulium travassosi d'Andretta & d'Andretta, Simulium anamariae Vulcano, Simulium brachycladum Lutz & Pinto and Simulium metallicum s. l. Bellardi new records for Paraná State. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed that the environmental variables most correlated to the species distribution among sample sites were water conductivity and those linked to physical dimensions of the breeding sites, like width, depth and water velocity. The matrix of faunistic similarity among collecting dates was negatively correlated to the time interval of sampling matrix for three of the water bodies studied, showing the existence of temporal changes in the species composition. According to Multiple Regression Analysis, temporal abundance variation of Simulium perflavum Roubaud, Simulium inaequale Paterson & Shannon and Simulium lutzianum s. l. Pinto was not linked to air temperature, photoperiod and rainfall, suggesting the influence of other factors, probably those directly associated to specific breeding site conditions. The results indicate that differences in physical and chemical characteristics among water bodies may affect the taxonomic composition of simuliids in this watershed.

Simulium (Inaequalium) marins, a new species of black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) from inselbergs in Brazil

A new species of black fly, Simulium (Inaequalium) marins (Diptera: Simuliidae), is described based on the male, female, pupa and larva. This new species was collected from two localities: a small stream on the Pico dos Marins, a high mountain with granite outcrops in Piquete County, state of São Paulo, and in a small stream in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.