Identification of rodents and blood-sucking insects in Xisha Islands of China and the first report of Anopheles mosquitoes and midges

Abstract

Objective To study the species and distribution of rodents and blood-sucking insects in Xisha Islands of China,so as to provide evidence for prevention and control of infectious diseases in the area.Methods Using mouse cages and light trap,we collected rodents and blood-sucking insects(mosquito and midge)in Yongxing and Shi Islands(two islands of China's Xisha Islands)during November to December in 2013and February to March in 2014.The specimens were identified by morphologic characters and molecular markers.Results A total of 160rodent individuals,belonging to 3species,were captured:Rattus norvegicus,Rattus tanezumi and Sorexsp,with Rattus norvegicu(61.25%)being the dominant species.The315collected mosquito samples belonged to 4genera and 5species,with the dominant species being Armigeres subalbatus(52.38%).The Anopheles mosquito was identified as Anopheles subpictus cytotype B by ITS2sequence.The 121collected midges belonged to 3subfamilies,4genera and 8species,with Culicoides peliliouensis(61.98%)being the dominant species.Conclusion The species numbers of rodents,mosquitoes,and midges in Yongxing and Shi Islands are 3,5,and 8,respectively.This is the first record of Anopheles mosquitoes and midges in the area,and Forcipomyia(Lepidohelea)chrysolophaand Forcipomyia(Schizoforcipomyia)borbonicawere are firstly recorded in China.