An update on the mosquito fauna of Aguascalientes, Mexico: morphological and molecular identifications, host-feeding patterns, and the removal of Aedes idahoensis (Theobald) from Mexico
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To better understand taxonomic identity and feeding patterns of mosquitoes in all physiographic regions and sub-regions of Aguascalientes, Mexico, we conducted surveillance followed by morphologic analysis and DNA metabarcoding. We targeted the Sierra Madre Occidental, Central Plateau, and Neo-Volcanic Axis. We sampled natural larval habitat for immature stages and adults were collected using Shannon and CDC light traps, mechanical aspirators, and human landing catch method. In addition, curated specimens from Aguascalientes deposited in a local institution were re-examined. Overall, 5,227 mosquito specimens consisting of 357 larvae, 199 larval exuviae, 373 pupal exuviae, 33 pupae, 3,000 females, 1,264 males, and 1 male genitalia were examined using taxonomic keys. Most immature and adult species ( n = 20/34 species representing 58.8% coverage) were barcoded for molecular species designation, and a subsample ( n = 64) of engorged female mosquitoes were analyzed for blood feeding patterns. Two subfamilies, four tribes, seven genera, 14 subgenera, and 34 species were identified, which one tribe, three genera, nine subgenera, and 22 species are new records. Phylogenetic analysis of specimens from Aguascalientes identified 20 species. Morphological observation of mosquitoes deposited in entomological collections resulted in the removal of Aedes idahoensis from Mexico, leaving the country with a total of 255 species documented. Bloodmeal metabarcoding was successful in 23 mosquitoes of five species, revealing evidence of feeding on more than a single vertebrate species in 17 individuals. Birds were the most common host with the cattle egret ( Ardea ibis ) found in 18 out of 23 mosquitoes. This update on the taxonomic identity and mosquito richness and feeding patterns from Aguascalientes affords a better understanding of the ecology of medically important mosquito species.
Author summary
While mosquito-borne diseases are a major public health problem in Mexico, many Mexican states have received minimal attention to documenting the mosquito communities. We conducted a comprehensive survey of mosquito communities in three regions of the state of Aguascalientes, located in central Mexico. We sampled natural habitats for immature mosquitoes and adult mosquitoes were collected by traps and with aspirators. In addition, curated museum specimens from Aguascalientes were re-examined. Overall, 5,227 mosquito specimens consisting of 3,000 adult females, 1,264 adult males, 357 larvae, 199 larval exuviae, 373 pupal exuviae, 33 pupae, and 1 male genitalia were examined using taxonomic keys. Two subfamilies, four tribes, seven genera, 14 subgenera, and 34 species were identified; one tribe, three genera, nine subgenera, and 22 species are new state records. A subset of 20 taxa were barcoded for species identification. Morphological re-examination of museum collections resulted in the removal of Aedes idahoensis from Mexico, leaving the country with a total of 255 species documented. A subsample of 23 engorged female mosquitoes of five species were analyzed for blood feeding patterns using bloodmeal metabarcoding revealing evidence of feeding on more than a single vertebrate species in 17 individuals. Birds were the most common host with the cattle egret ( Ardea ibis ) found in 18 out of 23 mosquitoes. This study fills knowledge gaps on the mosquito community and host contact in Aguscalientes, a neglected state of Mexico.
