Introduction and Establishment of the Exotic Mosquito Species Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Belgium

The establishment of the potential vector species Aedes (Finlaya) japonicus japonicus (Theobald) (Diptera: Culicidae) in southern Belgium is reported. The species was most likely introduced through the international trade in used tires. It was first collected in 2002 on the premises of a second-hand tire company and was sampled using different sampling methods in the two consecutive years (2003-2004). It was only in 2007 and 2008, during a national mosquito survey (MODIRISK), that its presence as adults and larvae at the above-mentioned site and at another tire company in the area was confirmed based on morphological and molecular identification. This discovery is the first record for Belgium of an exotic mosquito species that established successfully and raises the question on the need for monitoring and control. Considering the accompanying species found during the surveys, we also report here the first observation of Culex (Maillotia) hortensis hortensis (Ficalbi) in Belgiu

Bionomics of the Established Exotic Mosquito Species Aedes koreicus in Belgium, Europe

Adults of an exotic mosquito, Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus (Edwards) (Diptera: Culicidae) were identified by morphology and genotyping from one site in Belgium in 2008. In late summer of that year, the occurrence of adults and immature stages reconfirmed its presence. This is the first record of this species outside its native range and in particular in Europe. Two subsites of the original location were prospected from April until October 2009 with different traps to evaluate the extent of its presence and establishment in the area and to understand the dynamics of the species' population. Next to Ae. koreicus, 15 other mosquito species were collected. Adult individuals of Ae. koreicus were found from May to September and larvae were still found early October. Larvae were mainly retrieved from artificial containers both in 2008 as in 2009. Containers with eggs and/or larvae were found up to 4 km away from the initial location, indicating the species is spreading locally. Though the introduction route is unknown, it may have occurred via international trade as a large industrial center was located nearby. A comparison of different climatic variables between locations in Belgium with Ae. koreicus and putative source locations in South Korea, revealed similarities between winter temperatures and the number of freezing days and nights in four consecutive years (2004-2008), while humidity and precipitation values differed strongly. The introduction of a new potential disease vector into Europe seems to be a result of proper entrance points, created by intense worldwide trade and suitable environmental condition

Human-Induced Expanded Distribution of Anopheles plumbeus, Experimental Vector of West Nile Virus and a Potential Vector of Human Malaria in Belgium

For the majority of native species, human-created habitats provide a hostile environment that prevents their colonization. However, if the conditions encountered in this novel environment are part of the fundamental niche of a particular species, these low competitive environments may allow strong population expansion of even rare and stenotopic species. If these species are potentially harmful to humans, such anthropogenic habitat alterations may impose strong risks for human health. Here, we report on a recent and severe outbreak of the viciously biting and day-active mosquito Anopheles plumbeus Stephens, 1828, that is caused by a habitat shift toward human-created habitats. Although historic data indicate that the species was previously reported to be rare in Belgium and confined to natural forest habitats, more recent data indicate a strong population expansion all over Belgium and severe nuisance at a local scale. We show that these outbreaks can be explained by a recent larval habitat shift of this species from tree-holes in forests to large manure collecting pits of abandoned and uncleaned pig stables. Further surveys of the colonization and detection of other potential larval breeding places of this mosquito in this artificial environment are of particular importance for human health because the species is known as a experimental vector of West Nile virus and a potential vector of human malari

Spatial heterogeneity of habitat suitability for Rift Valley fever occurrence in Tanzania: an ecological niche modelling approach

Despite the long history of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Tanzania, extent of its suitable habitat in the country remains unclear. In this study we investigated potential effects of temperature, precipitation, elevation, soil type, livestock density, rainfall pattern, proximity to wild animals, protected areas and forest on the habitat suitability for RVF occurrence in Tanzania. Presence-only records of 193 RVF outbreak locations from 1930 to 2007 together with potential predictor variables were used to model and map the suitable habitats for RVF occurrence using ecological niche modelling. Ground-truthing of the model outputs was conducted by comparing the levels of RVF virus specific antibodies in cattle, sheep and goats sampled from locations in Tanzania that presented different predicted habitat suitability values. Habitat suitability values for RVF occurrence were higher in the northern and central-eastern regions of Tanzania than the rest of the regions in the country. Soil type and precipitation of the wettest quarter contributed equally to habitat suitability (32.4% each), followed by livestock density (25.9%) and rainfall pattern (9.3%). Ground-truthing of model outputs revealed that the odds of an animal being seropositive for RVFV when sampled from areas predicted to be most suitable for RVF occurrence were twice the odds of an animal sampled from areas least suitable for RVF occurrence (95% CI: 1.43, 2.76, p < 0.001). The regions in the northern and central-eastern Tanzania were more suitable for RVF occurrence than the rest of the regions in the country. The modelled suitable habitat is characterised by impermeable soils, moderate precipitation in the wettest quarter, high livestock density and a bimodal rainfall pattern. The findings of this study should provide guidance for the design of appropriate RVF surveillance, prevention and control strategies which target areas with these characteristics

Pteroneta baiteta Versteirt & Deeleman-Reinhold & Baert 2008, new species

&lt;i&gt;Pteroneta baiteta&lt;/i&gt;, new species &lt;p&gt;(Fig. 7)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;i&gt;Material examined. &ndash;&lt;/i&gt; Holotype male: Papua New Guinea, Madang [=Province], Baiteta forest 18 Jul.1995 (AR 31, coll. O. Missa).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; Fig. 6. &lt;i&gt;Pteroneta brevichela&lt;/i&gt;: A, ventral view of left male pedipalp; B, dorsolateral view of left male pedipalp; C, ventral view (epigyne).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Paratype: 1 female 17 Apr.1996 (AR43, coll. O. Missa) (see Table 1)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;i&gt;Diagnosis. &ndash;&lt;/i&gt; Males of this species are distinguished by the number (18) and position of spines on the chelicerae, the strong indentation at basis of the chelicerae and the shape of the tibial apophysis. Females are characterized by the structure of the epigyne, with 2 darker kidney shaped upper spermathecae, two more oval smaller lower spermathecae and sclerotised entrance openings.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Description.&lt;/i&gt; &ndash;&lt;/b&gt; Male: total body length: 4.5 mm; carapace length: 2.03 mm, width: 1.5 mm; abdomen length: 2.35 mm and width: 1.18 mm. Eyes: PME: 0.33 mm apart, PL: 0.75 mm and head width: 1.03 mm. The carapace, legs and chelicerae are brownish yellow whilst the abdomen of the spiders is more pale yellow. Chelicerae with 3 promarginal teeth and 2 large and 3 dot like retromarginal teeth; on the dorsal side are 18 blunt short spines. Legs: Spination: femora I-II 2*d 2*p, III 3*d 2*p, IV 2*d; tibiae I 220v, II 1v, III spineless, IV 1p 1r; metatarsi I 200v, II (10-01-0)v, III 202d 201v + circle of 14 (barbed) spines, IV 202d 101v + retrolateral bunch of 5 spines. Measurements: Fe I: 1.08 mm, Pa+Ti I: 1.53 mm, Mt I: 0.65 mm, Ta I: 0.43 mm; Fe II: 1.53 mm, Pa+Ti II: 1.98 mm, Mt II: 0.73 mm, Ta II: 0.68 mm; Fe III: 0.8 mm, Pa+Ti III: 1.03 mm, Mt III: 0.73 mm, Ta III: 0.33 mm; Fe IV: 1.35 mm, Pa+Ti IV: 1.6 mm, Mt IV: 1.15 mm, Ta IV: 0.45 mm.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Male pedipalp (see Figs. 7 A-B): Palpal tibia with one spine and small, arrow shaped tibial apophysis with pointed tip. Sperm duct originating proximally from funnel like structure, going distally making a curve of 180&deg; and returning to proximal end of tegulum ending in a large, short embolus with sharp tip. Cymbium oval shaped and rounded at the top. Tegulum broad, subtegelum clearly visible, large additional apophysis (almost all retrolateral side), straight ridged at its top.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Female: total body length: 3.0 mm; carapace length: 1.24 mm, width: 0.86 mm; abdomen length: 1.68 mm and width: 0.8 mm. Eyes: PME: 0.14 mm apart, PL: 0.38 mm and head width: 0.56 mm. Abdomen, legs and carapace are coloured yellow only the chelicerae are darker, more brownish. Chelicerae with 6 promariginal and 6 (dot like) retromarginal teeth. Legs: Spination: femora I-IV 2*d; tibiae I 1v, metatarsi I-II (0-0-10-01), III 102d 101v + circle of 14 (barbed) spines, IV 202d 1p (10-0-01)v + retrolateral bunch of 15 spines. Measurements: Fe I: 0.71 mm, Pa+Ti I: 0.99 mm, Mt I: 0.4 mm, Ta I: 0.29 mm; Fe II: 0.96 mm, Pa+Ti II: 1.19 mm, Mt II: 0.39 mm, Ta II: 0.51 mm; Fe III: 0.58 mm, Pa+Ti III: 0.7 mm, Mt III: 0.46 mm, Ta III: 0.26 mm; Fe IV: 0.86 mm, Pa+Ti IV: 1.08 mm, Mt IV: 0.8 mm, Ta IV: 0.33 mm.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Epigyne (see Fig. 6 C&ndash;D): with large upper and small lower spermathecae. Upper ones peculiarly shaped, kidney like, touching each other; they are slightly darker than the 2 lower more oval ones. Entrance openings mesally situated and sclerotised. Insemination ducts short, going to lower spermathecae and from there to upper ones. Fertilization ducts short, broad at basis, smaller at tip, originating at the distal part of the upper spermathecae.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;i&gt; &lt;i&gt;Etymology&lt;/i&gt;. &ndash;&lt;/i&gt; After the type locality, the forest of Baiteta (Madang province, Papua New Guinea), baiteta is a noun in apposition.&lt;/p&gt;Published as part of &lt;i&gt;Versteirt, V., Deeleman-Reinhold, C. &amp; Baert, L., 2008, Description Of New Species Of The Genus Pteroneta (Arachnida: Araneae: Clubionidae) From Papua New Guinea, pp. 307-315 in Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 56 (2)&lt;/i&gt; on pages 312-313, DOI: &lt;a href="http://zenodo.org/record/4508188"&gt;10.5281/zenodo.4508188&lt;/a&gt