Fly Fauna Research Articles

Phlebotomine sand fly survey, blood meal source identification, and description of Sergentomyia imihra n. sp. in the central Sahara of Algeria

BackgroundPhlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are important vectors of various pathogens, mainly Leishmania parasites. In the Old World, the most important genus in term of pathogens transmission is the genus Phlebotomus, which includes many proven or suspected vectors of several Leishmania species, while the genus Sergentomyia remains so far unproven as a vector of human pathogens. Algeria is one of the most affected countries by human leishmaniasis.MethodsIn the present study, an entomological survey was carried out in two provinces, Ghardaïa and Illizi, located in the north and central Sahara, respectively, where cases of human leishmaniasis are recorded. Our goal was to understand the role of the local sand fly species in the transmission of Leishmania parasites and to analyze their blood meal preferences. Collected sand flies were identified by a combination of morphological and molecular approaches that included DNA-barcoding and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) protein profiling. In addition, female blood meals were analyzed by peptide mass mapping using MALDI-TOF MS.ResultsIn total, 640 sand fly specimens belonging to Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera were collected in the two provinces. Sergentomyia antennata and Se. fallax were most abundant species in Ghardaïa, and Ph. papatasi and Ph. alexandri in Illizi. In addition, a new sand fly species was described in Illizi named Sergentomyia (Sergentomyia) imihra n. sp. Blood meal analysis of the engorged females revealed various mammalian hosts, especially goats, but also humans for Phlebotomus papatasi and Ph. alexandri, suggesting that these vector species are opportunistic feeders.ConclusionsIntegrative approach that combined morphological analysis, sequencing of DNA markers, and protein profiling enabled the recognition and description of a new Sergentomyia species, raising the number of the Algerian sand fly fauna to 27 species. Further sand fly surveillance in the central Sahara is recommended to identify the thus-far unknown males of Se. imihra n. sp.Graphical

Survey of sand fly fauna in six provinces of Southern Vietnam with species identification using DNA barcoding

BackgroundSand flies, belonging to the Psychodidae family, represent small, hairy insects that serve as significant vectors in various important medical and veterinary diseases. Despite being recognized by the World Health Organization as an endemic area for leishmaniasis, Southeast Asia lacks comprehensive information on the species composition and biology of sand flies. To address this, the current study aimed to survey sand fly biodiversity.MethodsSand flies from six provinces in Southern Vietnam were collected using CDC light traps. Sand flies were subsequently identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) sequences. BLASTN searches were conducted, and the species identity of sand flies was further confirmed through a Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) search utilizing COI sequences. Subsequently, nucleotide sequences were subjected to a panel of analyses including intraspecific variation, phylogenetic relationships and haplotype network. The average densities of collected sand flies (sand flies/trap/night) and species richness were also recorded.ResultsA total of 753 sand flies were collected. After excluding damaged specimens, six sand fly species, namely Phlebotomus stantoni, Sergentomyia khawi, Se. silvatica, Se. barraudi, Se. bailyi and Grassomyia indica, were identified. All conspecific sand fly sequences, including Ph. stantoni, Se. barraudi, Gr. indica, Se. bailyi, Se. khawi and Se. silvatica, clustered with their reference sequences, corroborating the results of morphology-based identification, BLASTN analysis and BOLD search. For intraspecific variation of sand flies obtained from the current study, COI diversity indices were consistently higher than those of cytb.ConclusionsThis study provides the first updates on morphological and molecular characterization of sand flies in Southern Vietnam. This acquired knowledge on sand fly species composition is essential for controlling sand fly-borne diseases in this potentially endemic region.Graphical

Diversity, vertical stratification and detection of Leishmania DNA in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) collected in the Mapinguari National Park, Brazilian Amazon

This study aimed to assess the diversity patterns of sand fly fauna across different strata and detect Leishmania DNA in these insects in the Mapinguari National Park in Rondônia and Amazonas states, Northern Brazil. Sand flies were collected with “HP” light traps in the canopy (15 m) and at ground level (1 m) on two trails, during August and November 2021 and March and August 2022. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to identify Leishmania species. A total of 8,040 individuals (2,303♂ – 28.64 %, 5,737♀ – 71.36 %) were collected and 53 species and 13 genera were identified. The most abundant species were Psychodopygus chagasi (21.00 %), Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis (13.61 %) Psychodopygus davisi (11.69 %), Nyssomyia fraihai (10.58 %), Nyssomyia antunesi (6.68 %) and Nyssomyia richardwardi (5.55 %). Species diversity was greater in the canopy (Shannon index H' = 10.8 common species) when compared to ground level (H' = 10.5 common species). We observed a minimum infection rate of 0.45 % (22/4,868 females), in which Leishmania braziliensis DNA was found in Ps. chagasi and Le. lainsoni DNA in Ps. chagasi, Ny. richardwardi, Ps. ayrozai and Th. ubiquitalis. The minimum infection rate of Leishmania in the canopy was 0.47 % (19/4,031) and in the ground was 0.52 % (3/567). In the present study, we observed Le. lainsoni DNA in females of Ny. richardwardi for the first time. The data presented in this study contribute to understanding sand fly diversity and its distribution between the states of Rondônia and Amazonas. They may be useful for implementing targeted control measures to reduce the spread of leishmaniasis and implement entomological surveillance strategies.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Bosnia and Herzegovina: distribution, ecology and environmental preferences

Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors for the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. and for phleboviruses. The sand fly fauna on the Balkan Peninsula, including Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH), is diverse and the circulation of Leishmania infantum as well as phleboviruses has been proven. However, recent data on the sand fly fauna in BIH are scarce. In this study, we surveyed understudied regions in central and northeastern BIH to update the sand fly distribution and gain insights into the ecological and environmental factors shaping their appearance. CDC light trapping was conducted in 2022 and 2023 and a combination of morphological and molecular methods (cytochrome oxidase I barcoding) was performed for species identifications. We mapped the currently known distribution, modelled climatic suitability patterns and performed environmental analyses by applying machine learning methods. In addition, we analyzed blood meals by host gene sequencing and MALDI-TOF peptide mass mapping and screened for Leishmania spp. DNA and Phlebovirus RNA.Altogether, 591 sand flies of four species were trapped, predominantly Phlebotomus neglectus (97 %), but also Ph. balcanicus, Ph. mascittii, and Ph. papatasi. Records of seven sand fly species known to be endemic were plotted onto distribution maps based on 101 datapoints, identifying Ph. neglectus as the overall predominant species. The environmental analyses of sand fly species indicated variation in altitudinal, thermal, and precipitation conditions across the sand fly-positive sites. Phlebotomus simici, Phlebotomus tobbi, and Sergentomyia minuta are typically found exclusively in Mediterranean and subtropical climate zones, whereas other species typically inhabit continental regions. The Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation of sand fly species numbers and Shannon entropy values suggested the southeastern coastal region of BIH as a primary focus for sand fly occurrence. This finding was corroborated by modeled average climatic suitability patterns for sand flies, depicting four distinct meso-regions for sand fly occurrence. The results of the ensemble method highlight the importance of annual precipitation to distinguish between positive and negative sand fly trapping sites in BIH. In total, 55 blood meals of two sand fly species, Ph. neglectus and Ph. balcanicus, were analyzed and five host species identified.Our comprehensive assessment of ecological and environmental preferences of sand flies in BIH may support further entomological surveys and help to better understand and evaluate potential hot spots of disease transmission in the country.

A cross-sectional study on phlebotomine sand flies in relation to disease transmission in the Republic of Kosovo.

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are blood-feeding insects that transmit the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. and various arboviruses. The Balkan region, including the Republic of Kosovo, harbours a diverse sand fly fauna. Vector species of Leishmania infantum as well as phleboviruses are endemic; however, recent data are scarce. We performed a cross-sectional study to update the current sand fly distribution in Kosovo and assess biological as well as environmental factors associated with sand fly presence. CDC light trapping was conducted at 46 locations in 2022 and 2023, specifically targeting understudied regions in Kosovo. Individual morphological species identification was supported by molecular barcoding. The occurrence data of sand flies was used to create distribution maps and perform environmental analyses, taking elevation, wind speed and climate-related factors into account. In addition, PCR-based blood meal analysis and pathogen screening were conducted. Overall, 303 specimens of six sand fly species were trapped, predominated by Phlebotomus neglectus (97%). Barcodes from eight of nine known endemic sand fly species were obtained. Combining our data with previous surveys, we mapped the currently known sand fly distribution based on more than 4000 specimens at 177 data points, identifying Ph. neglectus and Ph. perfiliewi as the predominant species. Environmental analyses depicted two geographical groups of sand flies in Kosovo, with notable differences between the species. In total, 223 blood meals of five sand fly species were analysed. Of seven identified host species, the predominant blood meal source was observed to be cattle, but the DNA of dogs and humans, among others, was also detected. This study assessed biological as well as ecological factors of sand fly occurrence, which should help better understand and evaluate potential hot spots of disease transmission in Kosovo.

A study on the diversity of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in karstic limestone areas in Vientiane Province, Laos, with a description of two new species of Sergentomyia França and & Parrot

BackgroundSoutheast Asia is well known as a hotspot of biodiversity. However, very little is known about cave-dwelling hematophagous insects that are medically important. Taxonomic knowledge and ecology of phlebotomine sand flies are very poorly studied in Laos, as well as in other countries in the region. Herein, we report species diversity data and some notes on the ecology of the detected species from these karstic limestone areas of Laos.MethodsPhlebotomine sand flies were collected using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps from limestone cave locations in three districts of Vientiane Province, Laos. Both morphological and molecular techniques were used for sand fly identification. Species diversity and abundance were analyzed according to sites, locations, collection seasons, and trapping positions.ResultsA total of 6564 sand flies, of which 5038 were females and 1526 were males, were morphologically identified into 20 species belonging to five genera (Chinius, Idiophlebotomus, Phlebotomus, Sergentomyia, and Grassomyia). The most abundant species were Chinius eunicegalatiae, Phlebotomus stantoni, Sergentomyia hivernus, Se. siamensis, and Idiophlebotomus longiforceps. Cytochrome b analysis results supported the morphological identification and revealed that Se. siamensis was separated from other members of the Se. barraudi group. Two new species, Se. dvoraki n. sp. and Se. marolii n. sp., were described. Sand fly density was generally high except in a cave in Vangvieng, with species richness ranging from 14 to 18 across different caves. Outside caves had higher species richness (R = 20) and diversity (H = 2.50) than cave entrances (R = 18, H = 2.41) and interiors (R = 16, H = 2.13). Seasonal variations showed high sand fly density in Feung and Hinheup during both dry and rainy seasons, while Vangvieng had a notable decrease in density during the dry season (D = 6.29).ConclusionsThis study revealed that the diversity of phlebotomine sand fly fauna in Laos, particularly in karstic limestone areas, is greater than previously known. However, the taxonomic status of many species in Laos, as well as Southeast Asia, still needs more in-depth study using both morphological characters and molecular methods. Many species could be found from inside, at the entrance, and outside of caves, indicating a wide range of host-seeking behavior or possible natural breeding in the karstic cave areas.Graphical abstract

Phlebotomine sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) fauna, blood meal source, and detection of Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) DNA in the Gurupi Biological Reserve, Eastern Amazon, Brazil.

This study was conducted in the Gurupi Biological Reserve (REBIO-Gurupi), the largest area of Amazon rainforest in Maranhão State, Brazil. The objectives were to survey the sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) fauna of REBIO-Gurupi, identify blood meal sources, and investigate the presence of Leishmania (Ross, 1903) (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) DNA. Individuals were collected using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and black and white Shannon traps in May and Jun 2022 and Jan 2023. DNA was extracted from female sand flies and subjected to amplification and sequencing of cytochrome b molecular marker (CYTB) for identification of blood meal sources and the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) of ribosomal DNA for Leishmania detection. A total of 514 sand flies individuals were sampled, of which 93 were identified at the genus or series level (9 taxa) and 421 were identified at the species level (24 taxa). Psychodopygus davisi (Root, 1934) (41.1%), Nyssomyia antunesi (Coutinho, 1939) (10.3%), and Psychodopygus (Mangabeira, 1941) Chagasi Series Barretto, 1962 (9.7%) were the most frequently collected. Human (Homo sapiens, Primates, Hominidae) and tapir (Tapirus terrestris, Perissodactyla, Tapiridae) DNA was detected in 10 female sand flies. Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum Cunha and Chagas, 1937 DNA was detected in 2 specimens of Ps. davisi. Given the presence of vectors of Leishmania in REBIO-Gurupi, it is imperative to conduct more comprehensive studies on the interactions among sand flies, Leishmania, and pathogen reservoirs in the area.

Ecology and molecular analysis of sand flies in Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Implications for leishmaniasis surveillance.

Leishmaniasis stands out as a public health problem in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, especially in the Midwest region. However, the entomological aspects in several municipalities remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the sand fly fauna in Bambuí, encompassing ecological dynamics and molecular detection of Leishmania. Monthly collections were conducted using CDC light traps from September 2018 to August 2020 across 16 selected points with urban and rural characteristics, chosen based on the coverage area of the Municipal Health Department and the occurrence of canine and human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases. Ecological indices of the sand fly population (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson and Pielou) were assessed, and sand fly abundance was correlated to climatic variables (humidity, temperature and rainfall). A total of 8838 specimens representing 17 species within nine genera were collected (estimated species richness by Chao 1 estimator = 17; SE ± 1.8). Predominantly, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Nyssomyia whitmani and Evandromyia cortelezzii constituted approximately 98% of all captured sand flies. While species richness and diversity displayed variations throughout the study, a positive correlation emerged between temperature (p < 0.0001; r = 0.7767), monthly rainfall (p < 0.0001; r = 0.7810) and sand fly abundance. Molecular analysis revealed Leishmania DNA in 2.05% of female sand flies, with the presence of Leishmania infantum in Lu. longipalpis and both Le. infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in Ev. cortelezzii. The entomological data, coupled with the occurrence of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis, offer valuable insights for evidence-based strategies to prevent leishmaniasis in Bambuí.

Leishmania infantum detection in Nyssomyia neivai and dogs in Southern Brazil

BackgroundThe sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It is frequently found in areas that are foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Santa Catarina, caused by Leishmania infantum. In this region, the main vector of L. infantum, Lutzomyia longipalpis, has not been detected. In the absence of L. longipalpis, this study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna and diagnose any potential Leishmania spp. infection in sand flies and in dogs in a region of Southern Brazil that experienced a recent canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak.MethodsThis report includes a survey of the sand fly fauna at the Zoonosis Control Center of the Municipality of Tubarão (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Molecular tests were conducted to investigate Leishmania spp. natural infection in sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In positive females, in addition to morphological identification, molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was performed to determine the sand fly species. Additionally, the dogs were tested for the presence of Leishmania spp. using a non-invasive technique for the collection of biological material, to be assessed by PCR.ResultsA total of 3419 sand flies, belonging to five genera, were collected. Nyssomyia neivai was the most abundant species (85.8%), followed by Migonemyia migonei (13.3%), Pintomyia fischeri (0.8%), Evandromyia edwardsi (< 0.1%), and species of the genus Brumptomyia. (0.1%). Out of the 509 non-engorged females analyzed by PCR, two (0.4%) carried L. infantum DNA. The naturally infected females were identified as Ny. neivai, in both morphological and molecular analysis. In addition, two out of 47 conjunctival swabs from dogs tested positive for L. infantum, yielding an infection rate of 4.2%.ConclusionsThese results confirm the presence of Ny. neivai naturally infected with L. infantum in an area where dogs were also infected by the parasite, suggesting its potential role as a vector in Southern Brazil.Graphical

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of the Baja California Peninsula

The blow fly fauna of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico has been sparsely documented. This study incorporates and lists recent and historical records of blow flies from collecting trips throughout the peninsula, visits to major southern California museums for historical collection records, and a literature search. Seven genera and 16 species are reported from the two peninsular Mexican States, Baja California, and Baja California Sur. Three species are recorded that are not included in the 2020 Catalog of Mexican Calliphoridae by Jaume-Schinkel, &amp; Ibanez-Bernal (2020), they are: Calliphora livida, Calliphora terraenovae, and Calliphora vomitoria. One blow fly species, Cochliomyia hominivorax (the primary Screw-Worm Fly) is not included here but is found in museum collections. Once present in Baja, it is considered eradicated from continental North America as far south as the Panama Canal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) however, it is occasionally reintroduced (Skoda et al. 2018) and is still present in some Caribbean islands. It is noteworthy that all calliphorid species from this mountainous desert peninsula are also found in the State of California, USA which supports 11 genera and 47 species in this family (Whitworth 2006) primarily because of its more varied climate and terrain. The Baja peninsula can be considered a southern extension of the State of California, with reduced species representation due to reduced climate and terrain variation, so no separate identification keys are necessary. Forensic entomologists and taxonomists can use the blow fly keys for North America by Whitworth, 2006, and 2017 for this region. The latest key by Jones, Whitworth, and Marshall (2019) is revolutionary and much welcome in taxonomy in that it is an online computer-aided key that has actual macro-photos of species identification characters and is intended to be used with a computer screen next to your microscope for identifications in place of printed material.

Ecological setting of phlebotomine sand flies in the Republic of Kosovo

Sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniasis, as well as phleboviruses. In the Balkans, the endemicity and spreading of sand fly-borne diseases are evident, particularly in the Republic of Kosovo, a country with a predominantly humid continental climate. To date, understanding the drivers behind the spatial structure and diversity patterns of sand fly communities in humid continental regions remains limited. Therefore, elucidating the geographical and ecological factors contributing to the presence of potential vector species in the country is crucial. We aimed to enhance our understanding of factors influencing sand fly occurrence in cool and wet wintering humid continental areas, which could serve as a model for other countries with similar climatic conditions. Therefore, we assessed the currently known sand fly fauna through detailed environmental analyses, including Voronoi tessellation patterns, entropy calculations, Principal Coordinate and Component Analyses, Hierarchical Clustering, Random Trees, and climatic suitability patterns.Notable differences in the ecological tolerance of the species were detected, and the most important climatic features limiting sand fly presence were wind speed and temperature seasonality. Sand flies were observed to prefer topographical environments with little roughness, and the modelled climatic suitability values indicated that, dominantly, the western plain regions of Kosovo harbour the most diverse sand fly fauna; and are the most threatened by sand fly-borne diseases. Phlebotomus neglectus and P. perfiliewi, both confirmed vectors for L. infantum and phleboviruses, were identified as two main species with vast distribution in Kosovo. Contrary to this, most other present species are relatively sparse and restricted to temperate rather than humid continental regions.Our findings reveal a diverse potential sand fly fauna in Kosovo, indicating the need for tailored strategies to address varying risks across the country's western and eastern regions in relation to leishmaniasis control amidst changing environmental conditions.

Hover fly (Diptera: Syrphidae) diversity and seasonality in North Georgia apple and peach orchards.

Crop pollination and natural biological control provided by beneficial insects have an economic worth of hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Apple and peach production in North Georgia are economically important industries that benefit from these ecological services. Hover flies are dual ecosystem service providers that have been relatively understudied in orchard ecosystems. We investigated the diversity and seasonal activity of hover flies in apple and peach orchards at 2 sites in North Georgia from March to October 2020 and 2021. Bowl traps were used to sample hover flies in orchard edge and interior habitats. The aphidophagous species Toxomerus geminatus (Say) (Diptera: Syrphidae) and Toxomerus marginatus (Say) (Diptera: Syrphidae) comprised 86.6% of the total hover flies collected. Apple orchards yielded the greatest hover fly presence, species richness, and Toxomerus spp. abundance. Hover fly richness and diversity were greatest during postbloom, but Toxomerus spp. abundance was greatest during the bloom period. No differences in presence, richness, diversity, or Toxomerus spp. abundance were found between edge and interior habitats. Toxomerus geminatus and T. marginatus were dominant from March through August, with T. geminatus being more abundant than T. marginatus in March, early April, and August. October sampling produced the greatest hover fly richness. Our results suggest that hover flies are abundant in North Georgia orchards and exhibit substantial spatial and temporal variation in richness and diversity. Expanded studies incorporating additional sampling efforts and methods are needed to further characterize the hover fly fauna and their impact on North Georgia apple and peach orchards.

Diversity, Leishmania detection, and blood meal sources of sand flies from Iguatama, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

This study investigated the sand fly fauna of the municipality Iguatama, in the Midwest Region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, including Leishmania infection rates and blood meal sources. Sand flies were collected during four periods over the course of a single year, encompassing both dry and rainy seasons, using CDC light traps placed in peridomiciles where dogs were seropositive for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). A total of 762 sand fly specimens, representing 12 species across seven genera, were collected. Lutzomyia longipalpis was the most abundant species, comprising 57.6% of the collected specimens, followed by Nyssomyia neivai (19.6%) and Nyssomyia whitmani (10.5%). Species richness and diversity varied among collection periods, with the highest diversity observed in January 2019. Molecular analysis detected Leishmania DNA in 12.5% of the sand fly specimens, with Le. infantum being the predominant species. Blood meal analysis revealed feeding on multiple vertebrate species, including humans, rats, dogs, and chickens. The presence of Leishmania DNA in sand flies, and the identification of human blood meals, highlight the potential role of these species in VL transmission. These findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and control measures to prevent the spread of VL and reduce transmission risk in the region.

RARE SPECIES OF FIRE FLIES (LEPIDOPTERA, PYRALOIDEA) OF THE HETMANSKYI NATIONAL NATURE PARK

Hetmanskyi National Nature Park is one of two national parks created in Sumy region. The Park, located in Okhtyrka district of the south-eastern part of Sumy region, reaches a total area of 23 360,1 ha, including 11 673,2 ha of land provided for permanent use. The article presents the results of research on the species composition of fire flies in the Hetmanskyi National Nature Park, conducted from 2016 to 2023. As a result, 120 species of fire flies from 10 subfamilies were identified, making this area one of the most studied in the north-east of Ukraine. Most of these species are widespread in the region. Among them, 13 species had not been recorded in Sumy region before this study: Synaphe punctalis (Fabricius, 1775), Elegia fallax (Staudinger, 1881), Pempelia palumbella (Denis &amp; Schiffermüller, 1775), Acrobasis glaucella Staudinger, 1859, Phycitodes saxicola Vaughan, 1870, Elegia similella Zincken, 1818, Homoeosoma inustella Ragonot, 1884, Cadra furcatella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1849), Chrysocrambus craterella (Scopoli, 1763), Catoptria mytilella (Hubner, 1805), Atralata albofascialis (Treitschke, 1829), Pyrausta rectefascialis Toll, 1936, Pyrausta aerealis (Hübner, 1793). The article provides information on these species, including their distribution in Europe and Ukraine (representation in the GBIF and UkrBIN global biodiversity databases) and our findings in the Park, as well as some biological and ecological features. The article notes that insect species from the steppe zone and the Black Sea region are increasingly being registered in Sumy region. Species from more southern regions of Ukraine may be expanding their range due to climate change and vegetation succession in the Park, in particular due to the invasion of alien plants. In general, the species composition of fire flies on the territory of the Park has been studied unevenly so these results do not reflect the full picture of fire flies fauna of the Park and require further research.

Ecological aspects of sand fly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) of Sumidouro District, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Aiming to compare and update the sand fly fauna of Portão de Pedra site, Sumidouro District, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and considering the environmental changes occurred, the biology and ecology of the local sandfly species were examined five years later as a complementary study carried. Captures were made in the cave, surroundings of cave and forest of the region, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Among the 2323 sandflies of eigth species of the Lutzomyia were captured: L. gasparviannai, L. edwardsi, L. tupynambai, L. hirsuta, L. whitmani, L. migonei, L. intermedia, Lutzomyia. sp and one species of the Brumptomyia Kind: B. brumpti. In 2009 and 2010 were collected 1756 samples from ten species of the former genus and two of the second. L. gasparviannai was predominant, in the three collection sites, in both periods. Five species implicated as vectors of Leishmania: L. intermedia, L. whitmani, L. migonei, L. hirsuta and L. davisi have been collected in the area. Poisson regression and ANOVA were used to perform statistical analysis of species most relevant. The record of L. intermedia and a case of American tegumentary leishmaniasis are relevant to the public health of municipality and of state of Rio de Janeiro.

Fauna e sazonalidade de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) de uma área de transmissão de leishmaniose na região central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract Sand flies, vectors capable of transmitting Leishmania spp. and causing leishmaniasis, have been a concern in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) has been documented since 1985. Notably, there has been a surge in CanL cases since 2017, with two autochthonous cases of human visceral leishmaniasis reported in the area in 2021. This study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna potentially involved in disease transmission. Modified Centers for Disease Control light traps were deployed in three neighborhoods of the city where CanL cases had been previously reported, spanning January 2021 to December 2022. Of the 89 collections conducted, 119 sand flies belonging to five species were captured: Pintomyia fischeri (76/119, 63.86%), Migonemyia migonei (23/119, 19.33%), Lutzomyia longipalpis (16/119, 13.45%), Brumptomyia sp. (2/119, 1.68%), and Psathyromyia lanei (2/119, 1.68%), predominantly between February and April in 2021 and 2022. Polymerase chain reaction testing on all female specimens yielded negative results for Leishmania spp. DNA. Although Leishmania spp. was not detected in these vectors, these findings underscore the imperative to implement measures aimed at curtailing the proliferation of these insects.

New data on the hover fly fauna of Gilgit-Baltistan (Diptera: Syrphidae) with a new country record

Gilgit-Baltistan boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, yet its hover fly species inventory remains relatively understudied. This study expands our understanding by documenting 21 hover fly species, including three new records for the region. Notably, three genera: Betasyrphus Matsumura, 1917, Eupeodes Osten Sacken, 1877, and Helophilus Meigen, 1822, are reported for the first time from Gilgit-Baltistan. Of particular significance is the discovery of Helophilus pendulus (Linnaeus, 1758), marking a novel addition to the hover fly fauna of Pakistan. This research contributes an updated checklist of hover fly species for Gilgit-Baltistan, and information on synonyms, diagnosis, flight periods, host plants, distribution maps, adult habitus and male genitalia of Helophilus pendulus is provided.

New sand fly (Diptera, Psychodidae) records and COI DNA barcodes in the state of Maranhão, Eastern Amazon, Brazil

The sand fly fauna and the usefulness of the DNA barcoding fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were accessed in a forest fragment in the municipality of Governador Newton Bello, state of Maranhão, Brazil. We performed entomological collections in three independent campaigns in May and October 2021, and January 2023. Sand flies were morphologically-identified and then DNA barcoded. Sequences were deposited and analyzed in the BOLD System Database, and various species delimitation algorithms, to assess whether DNA sequences merge into taxonomic units in accordance with nominal species. In total, 1,524 sand flies were collected, comprising 32 nominal species. Nyssomyia antunesi was the most abundant species (31.5 %), followed by Psychodopygus davisi (27 %). We reported for the first time in the state of Maranhão, the presence of Lutzomyia evangelistai, Lutzomyia sherlocki, Pressatia equatorialis, and Psathyromyia barrettoi. We amplified and analyzed 67 COI barcodes of 23 species, which were merged with conspecific sequences extracted from GenBank. The maximum intraspecific p distances ranged from 0.0 % to 14.74 %, while the distances to the nearest neighbor varied from 1.67 % to 13.64 %. The phylogenetic gene tree and species delimitation tools clustered sequences into well-supported clades/clusters for each nominal species, except for Pressatia choti/Pr. equatorialis, which have the lowest interspecific genetic distance (1.67 %). We sequenced for the first time COI barcodes of Brumptomyia brumpti, Evandromyia monstruosa, Micropygomyia rorotaensis, Micropygomyia pilosa, Pintomyia christenseni, Pintomyia pacae, Pr. equatorialis, Pa. barrettoi, and Psathyromyia hermanlenti, which will be useful for further molecular identification and classification proposals of Neotropical species. This study updated the current list of the sand fly fauna for the state of Maranhão to 97, and demonstrated that COI barcodes are useful for specific identification.

A new species of the genus Machimus Loew, 1849 (Diptera: Asilidae) from the Russian Far East

New species of robber flies, Machimus leleji sp. n., is described and illustrated from Primorsky Krai, Russia. One male and eight females of this species were collected in a deciduous forest on Gamov Peninsula. New species differs from congeners by golden tomentum and setae on tergites, and the shape of the epandrium in males. The genus Trichomachimus Engel, 1934 is excluded from the fauna of Russia. Currently the fauna of robber flies of the Russian Far East numbers 99 species, of them four species from the genus Machimus.

Phlebotomine sand flies in rural Mayan communities of Southern Mexico: The heterogeneity of the ruralscape increases the entomological risk

In the Yucatan Peninsula, tropical preserved forests harbor a high diversity of phlebotomine sand fly species, potential vectors of Leishmania. As a result, a significant risk of contracting localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is associated with entry into these forest ecosystems. However, with the current trajectory of land use in the region, communities now live within modified landscapes which could increase their risk of contact with vectors. In this study, we characterized the sand fly fauna and its relationship with the characteristics of peridomestic habitats in two rural communities in Yucatan characterized by contrasting records of leishmaniasis. Five human dwellings in each community were randomly selected and the peridomestic landscape was characterized (i.e., type and percentage of land use). For the collection of sand flies, CDC traps were deployed in both the intra and peridomicile. Differences in alpha and beta diversity between communities and ecotopes were estimated considering three separate groups, all species together, zoophilic species, and anthropophilic species. In total, 1, 241 sand flies represented by eight species were collected from November 2021-March 2022. Both communities registered the presence of sand flies in the intra and peridomicile, and females were more abundant than males. However, the greatest diversity of species was recorded in the peridomicile of the community with the highest composition of land uses. Our study demonstrates that the transformation of the forest around the communities favors the abundance and richness of sand flies in the peridomestic environment. We discuss the limitations and implications of our findings regarding the potential risk of the emergence of peri‑rural cycles of leishmaniasis in the region.