First record of the presence of Aedes (Phagomyia) cogilli (Edwards, 1922) in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka is known for its biological diversity with a high richness in insect diversity. So far, 159 mosquito species representing 19 genera have been reported. Phagomyia gubernatori is the only species identified under subgenus Phagomyia in Sri Lanka. This study reports the presence of Aedes (Phagomyia) cogilli for the first time in Sri Lanka. During weekly field visits from October to November 2018, larval samples were collected from canals in the Jaffna municipal area in Jaffna District ( N 9° 39’ 32” E 80° 3’ 23” and N 9° 39’ 35” E 80° 3’ 25” ) and reared at the insectary. Emerged adults were identified with available identification keys. DNA was extracted from the individual adults and a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The amplified fragments of four individuals were sequenced in both directions. In addition to morphological confirmation, the presence of Ae. cogilli was also supported with the DNA sequence of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I. Insecticide susceptibility status of adult mosquitoes to the insecticides Deltamethrin, Permethrin, Malathion, Propoxur, and DDT were performed according to the World Health Organization procedures. The findings showed the presence of Ae. cogilli in Sri Lanka and that it had developed resistance to insecticides, suggesting further investigation on the species