The mosquitoes of Armenia: review of knowledge and results of a field survey with first report of Aedes albopictus.

Lusine Paronyan,Haykuhi Vardanyan,Arsen Manucharyan,Dezdemonia Manukyan,Lilit Babayan,Vincent Robert,Gayane Melik-Andrasyan,Francis Schaffner

doi:10.1051/parasite/2020039

Abstract

Background: In 2016, a field study was implemented in all Armenian provinces in order to update knowledge on the presence and distribution of both native and invasive mosquito species. Larvae and adult mosquitoes were sampled and identified on the basis of their morphology. Supplementary field surveys were performed in 2017–2018. Results: Between June 20 and July 12, 2016, 117 localities were visited. A total number of 197 sampling units were checked, of which 143 (73%) were positive for mosquitoes (with 1–6 species per sampling unit). A total number of 4157 mosquito specimens were identified to species or species complex level. Ten species represent first records for Armenia: Aedes albopictus, Ae. annulipes, Ae. cataphylla, Ae. cinereus/geminus (probably Ae. cinereus), Ae. flavescens, Anopheles plumbeus, Coquillettidia richiardii, Culex martinii, Cx. torrentium and Culiseta subochrea. The invasive species Ae. albopictus was recorded in a single locality (Bagratashen) at the border point with Georgia, along the main road Tbilisi-Yerevan. This species was further recorded in 2017 and 2018, demonstrating its establishment and spread in north Armenia. These surveys confirm the presence of vectors of malaria parasites (in particular An. sacharovi) and West Nile virus (Cx. pipiens). Conclusion: The knowledge of the Armenian mosquito fauna is extended to a list of 28 species. The record of Aedes albopictus, an important potential vector of many arboviruses, has important implications for public health.

Highlights

The Republic of Armenia is a landlocked country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia
Background: In 2016, a field study was implemented in all Armenian provinces in order to update knowledge on the presence and distribution of both native and invasive mosquito species
EVS and CDC Light Traps (CDCLT) were hung with the trap entrance at 1.5 m high and BG Sentinel IITM traps (BGS) placed on the ground

Summary

Introduction

The Republic of Armenia is a landlocked country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. The territory is mostly mountainous with fast flowing rivers and few forests. The country is characterised by a large variety of natural environments. Several distinct landscape zones are described: deserts, semi-deserts, dry steppes, steppes, woodlands, sub-alpine, and alpine lands. The conditions of these various natural landscape zones from the lowland plains to high mountains rely primarily on altitude, and shape the diversity of both flora and fauna, including insects. The country is divided into 11 provinces, of which 10 are regions (marzes) – Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Gegharkunik, Kotayk, Lori, Shirak, Syunik, Tavush, and Vayots Dzor – and the last one is Yerevan, the capital city

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