Aedes scapularis is a species of mosquito primarily found in neo-tropical regions of the Americas.

Aedes scapularis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Culicidae
Genus: Aedes
Subgenus: Ochlerotatus
Species:
A. scapularis
Binomial name
Aedes scapularis
(Rondani, 1848)[1]

Classification

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Aedes scapularis is one of many species of the genus Aedes. Several Aedes species have been reclassified as Ochlerotatus, with Ae. scapulari sometimes included in this revision.[2]

Distribution

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Aedes scapularis has been recorded throughout neo-tropical regions of the western hemisphere. Larval specimens were reported in the Florida Keys in 1945, and in 2020 the species was reported as being endemic in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida.[3][4]

Biology

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Its habitat was originally associated with forest habitats, but it has become urbanized and is now reported breeding in artificial water containers.[5][6]

Forattini & Gomes 1988 reported that this mosquito showed diurnal and nocturnal activity, but was most active during the evening crepuscular period.[7]

Medical importance

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It is known to bite humans and can carry a number of diseases, including yellow fever, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, and other human pathogens.[3]

In 2021, authorities in southeastern Florida stated that, although it has become established there, this species of mosquito is not considered a vector of concern for disease in humans nor other animals,[8] as the diseases it can transmit are not endemic to that area.

References

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  1. ^ Rondani, C. (1848). "Esame di varie specie di'insetti ditteri brasiliani" [Examination of various species of Brazilian diptera insects]. Studi entomologici (in Italian). 1 (2). Turino: 63–112.
  2. ^ Arnell, J. H. (1976). "Mosquito studies (Diptera, Culicidae) XXXII. A revision of the scapularis group of Aedes (Ochlerotatus)" (PDF). Contributions of the American Entomological Institute. 13 (3).[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ a b Reeves, Lawrence E; Medina, Johana; Miqueli, Evaristo; Sloyer, Kristin E; Petrie, William; Vasquez, Chalmers; Burkett-Cadena, Nathan D (23 November 2020). "Establishment of Aedes (Ochlerotatus) scapularis (Diptera: Culicidae) in Mainland Florida, With Notes on the Ochlerotatus Group in the United States". Journal of Medical Entomology. 58 (2): 717–729. doi:10.1093/jme/tjaa250. ISSN 0022-2585. PMID 33225354.
  4. ^ "Another Invasive Mosquito Species Arrives in Florida". Entomology Today. 2020-12-18. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  5. ^ Petersen, Vivian; Devicari, Mariana; Suesdek, Lincoln (2015). "High morphological and genetic variabilities of Ochlerotatus scapularis, a potential vector of filarias and arboviruses". Parasites & Vectors. 8 (1): 128. doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0740-6. PMC 4357162. PMID 25885902.
  6. ^ Forattini, Oswaldo Paulo; Kakitani, Iná; Sallum, Maria Anice Mureb (October 1997). "Encontro de criadouros de Aedes scapularis (Diptera: Culicidae) em recipientes artificiais" [Breeding places of Aedes scapularis (Diptera: Culicidae) in artificial containers]. Revista de Saúde Pública (in Portuguese). 31 (5): 519–522. doi:10.1590/s0034-89101997000600013. PMID 9629732.
  7. ^ Forattini, Oswaldo Paulo; Gomes, Almério de Castro (April 1988). "Biting activity of Aedes scapularis (Rondani) and Haemagogus mosquitoes in Southern Brazil (Diptera: Culicidae)". Revista de Saúde Pública. 22 (2): 84–93. doi:10.1590/S0034-89101988000200003. PMID 2905827.
  8. ^ Brasileiro, Adriana, New mosquito species found in South Florida. It’s an aggressive biter, of course, Miami Herald, February 9, 2021
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