Oviposição diária de Aedes aegypti em Orán, Salta (Argentina)

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar los horarios de máxima actividad de oviposición de Aedes aegypti en la ciudad de Orán (noroeste argentino). Se realizaron muestreos quincenales entre noviembre de 2006 y febrero de 2007 (primavera-verano). La ciudad fue dividida en tres zonas (norte, centro, sur), donde fueron seleccionadas al azar las viviendas para colocar dos ovitrampas en el exterior de las mismas. Las ovitrampas fueron reemplazadas cada cuatro horas, desde la mañana (8h) hasta el atardecer (20h). Se registró la mayor cantidad de huevos entre las 16 y 20 h (81%). Estos datos aportan al conocimiento del vector y, por lo tanto, de la posibilidad de control, pudiendo realizarse las fumigaciones en la franja horaria con mayor actividad de oviposición.The study aimed to determinate the maximum daily peak of Aedes aegypti oviposition in the city of Oran, northwestern Argentina. Biweekly samplings were taken between November 2006 and February 2007 (spring-summer). The city was divided into three areas (north, center, and south) and households were randomly selected. Two ovitraps were placed outdoors in the selected houses. Ovitraps were replaced every four hours, from morning (8 a.m.) to late afternoon (8 p.m.). The largest number of eggs was recorded between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (81%). These findings enhance our understanding of the vector and thus its control such as spraying during the hours of peak oviposition activity.O objetivo do estudo foi determinar os horários de máxima atividade de oviposição de Aedes aegypti na cidade de Orán (noroeste argentino). Foram realizadas coletas quinzenais, entre novembro de 2006 e fevereiro de 2007 (primavera-verão). A cidade foi dividida em três zonas (norte, centro, sul); foram escolhidos aleatoriamente dez domicílios em cada zona e duas ovitrampas foram instaladas no exterior de cada domicílio. As ovitrampas eram trocadas a cada quatro horas, cobrindo desde a manhã (8h) até a noite (20h). A maior quantidade de ovos (81%) foi registrada entre as 16h e 20h. Esses dados aportam conhecimento do vetor e, portanto, a seu controle, como, por exemplo, realizar a fumegação na faixa horária de maior atividade de oviposição

Oviposición diaria de Aedes aegypti en Orán, Salta, Argentina

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar os horários de máxima atividade de oviposição de Aedes aegypti na cidade de Orán (noroeste argentino). Foram realizadas coletas quinzenais, entre novembro de 2006 e fevereiro de 2007 (primavera-verão). A cidade foi dividida em três zonas (norte, centro, sul); foram escolhidos aleatoriamente dez domicílios em cada zona e duas ovitrampas foram instaladas no exterior de cada domicílio. As ovitrampas eram trocadas a cada quatro horas, cobrindo desde a manhã (8h) até a noite (20h). A maior quantidade de ovos (81%) foi registrada entre as 16h e 20h. Esses dados aportam conhecimento do vetor e, portanto, a seu controle, como, por exemplo, realizar a fumegação na faixa horária de maior atividade de oviposição.The study aimed to determinate the maximum daily peak of Aedes aegypti oviposition in the city of Oran, northwestern Argentina. Biweekly samplings were taken between November 2006 and February 2007 (spring-summer). The city was divided into three areas (north, center, and south) and households were randomly selected. Two ovitraps were placed outdoors in the selected houses. Ovitraps were replaced every four hours, from morning (8 a.m.) to late afternoon (8 p.m.). The largest number of eggs was recorded between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (81%). These findings enhance our understanding of the vector and thus its control such as spraying during the hours of peak oviposition activity.El objetivo del estudio fue determinar los horarios de máxima actividad de oviposición de Aedes aegypti en la ciudad de Orán (noroeste argentino). Se realizaron muestreos quincenales entre noviembre de 2006 y febrero de 2007 (primavera-verano). La ciudad fue dividida en tres zonas (norte, centro, sur), donde fueron seleccionadas al azar las viviendas para colocar dos ovitrampas en el exterior de las mismas. Las ovitrampas fueron reemplazadas cada cuatro horas, desde la mañana (8h) hasta el atardecer (20h). Se registró la mayor cantidad de huevos entre las 16 y 20 h (81%). Estos datos aportan al conocimiento del vector y, por lo tanto, de la posibilidad de control, pudiendo realizarse las fumigaciones en la franja horaria con mayor actividad de oviposición

Culex (Culex) lahillei Bachmann & Casal

<i>Culex</i> (<i>Culex</i>) <i>lahillei</i> Bachmann & Casal <p> <i>Culex lahillei</i> Bachmann & Casal, 1962: 267 (M*, F*, P*). Type locality: Achiras, Córdoba, Argentina. Bram 1967: 72 (M*).</p> <p> FEMALE. <i>Head</i>: integument light brown. Vertex and occiput with narrow and white decumbent scales, intermixed whitish and yellowish erect scales (variable proportion). Broad and flat white scales restricted to postgena and ocular line. Ocular setae and ocular line brown. Antenna 2.00– 2.06 mm (2.04 mm), pedicel with ochre pruinosity, basal 0.75 of Flm1 white-scaled with yellowish integument. Clypeus yellowish with velvety appearance. Proboscis 2.25–2.44 mm (2.35 mm), dorsally brown scaled; ventrally with basal 0.50 with golden scales, and distal 0.50 white-scaled; labella golden. Maxillary palpus 0.40–0.44 mm (0.42 mm), with brown to golden scales, baso-medial dorsal area with whitish scales. <i>Thorax</i>: scutum brown, covered with golden, narrow and long scales. White scales from anterior promontory along lateral margins to prescutellar area and forming 2 stripes in apical third of scutum between achrostical and dorsocentral setae. Acrostichal and dorsocentral setae brown. Pleural integument lighter than scutum. Antepronotum with narrow white scales; proepisternum apically with broad white scales; postpronotum with scattered narrow golden scales. Spots of broad white scales as follows: postspiracular, upper and lower mesokatepisternal (to base of prealar setae), and upper and lower mesanepimeral. Ante- and postpronotal setae brown on posterior margins, remainder of pleural setae golden: 3,5 prealar, 3–5 and 5,6 upper and lower mesokatepisternal, respectively, 8,9 and 1,2 upper and lower mesanepimeral, respectively. Pre- and postspiracular setae absent. Scutellum with narrow white scales not confined to lobes; 6,7 and 4,5 brown with golden sheen, median and lateral scutellar setae, respectively. Mesopostnotum with leather-like appearance, marginally yellowish to golden or with a longitudinal brown stripe, without scales and setae. <i>Wing</i>: length 3.95–4.44 mm (4.21 mm), with brown scales, most veins with narrow scales; narrow and broad scales along veins C, Sc, R, R4+5, CuA and CuP (broad scales most prevalent), M2 and M3+4 (broad and narrow in similar proportion); vein 1A with scales of intermediate thickness. Baso-posterior area of veins C and R with strip of whitish scales that cross h crossvein. <i>Halter</i>: scabellum yellow to brown; pedicel yellowish and whitish-scaled; capitellum brown, whitish-scaled. <i>Legs</i>: coxal integument yellowish, paler on C-III. Anterior and basolateral region of C-I broad and white-scaled, few brown scales on anterior area. Anterior surface with brown setae, posterior with brown setae in a longitudinal line mixed with white scales. Coxae II,III anteriorly white-scaled, posteriorly without scales; longitudinal line of long brown setae, other shorter setae near joint with trochanter and inner surfaces with brown and golden setae. Trochanters yellowish. Inner surface of Tr-I with broad whitish scales and a few brown scales, Tr-I,II with short brown setae on inner surface. Trochanter III with basal white scales and short golden setae. Femora brown- and goldenscaled dorsally, white-scaled ventrally and on distal area, lengths: Fe-I 2.15–2.40 mm (2.28 mm), Fe-II 2.30–2.38 mm (2.35 mm) and Fe-III 2.24–2.35 mm (2.31 mm). Tibiae brown- and white-scaled dorsally and ventrally, respectively, or entirely brown-scaled, inconspicuous distal ring of white scales on Ti-I, more evident on Ti-II,III; lengths: Ti-I 2.30–2.57 mm (2.45 mm), Ti-II 2.35–2.74 mm (2.61 mm) and Ti-III 2.53-2.54 mm (2.535 mm). Tarsomeres 1- 4 brown-scaled with golden sheen dorsally and whitish-scaled ventrally, Ta5 whitish-scaled. Joint between tarsomeres with a few whitish scales, ungues brown and simple. Lengths: Ta-I 1.36–1.40 mm (1.39 mm), Ta-II1 1.50–1.61 mm (1.57 mm), Ta-III1 2.37–2.40 mm (2.38 mm); Ta-I2 0.66–1.07 mm (0.83 mm), Ta-II2 0.79–0.85 mm (0.81 mm), Ta-III2 1.25–1.41 mm (1.35 mm); Ta-I3 0.43–0.85 mm (0.58 mm), Ta-II3 0.45–0.56 mm (0.51 mm), Ta-III3 1.00– 1.0 7 mm (1.04 mm); Ta-I4 0.25–0.35 mm (0.29 mm), Ta-II4 0.29–0.31 mm (0.30 mm), Ta-III4 0.50–0.72 mm (0.63 mm); Ta-I5 0.15–0.19 mm (0.18 mm), Ta-II5 0.17–0.20 mm (0.19 mm), Ta-III5 0.27–0.32 mm (0.29 mm). <i>Abdomen</i>: integument tanned. Tergum I with golden setae and midapical spot of brown scales and some whitish on midline. Terga II–VII with golden setae on apical margin, brown-scaled with golden sheen, white scales as follow: II- Te in a longitudinal line not reaching apical margin; III-Te forming a complete basal band up to 0.30 length of segment or as a basomedial spot with a few scales scattered to basolateral area; IV–VI-Te, complete basal band up to 0.25–0.37, 0.33–0.39 and 0.33–0.35 length of segments, respectively; VII-Te, complete basal band up to 0.13–0.19 in middle, reaching 0.59–0.66 laterally; VIII-Te, entirely white-scaled, golden scales on apical margin. Sterna I–III white-scaled or white and brown-scaled, the last, restricted to midline; IV–VII-S white- and brown-scaled, triangular patch from base to apical margin on midline; VIII-S white-scaled, midline without scales. <i>Genitalia</i> (Fig. 1): Cerci, length 0.16–0.17 mm, width 0.0 9 mm, narrower at base than apex, stronger and more abundant setae on distal and lateral margins; caudal margin of postgenital lobe convex; insula normal with 6,7 setae; IX-Te with 6–8 setae on each side.</p> <p> MALE. Like female except for sexual differences. <i>Head</i>: vertex and occiput with white, narrow and broad, decumbent scales, postgena with broad and flat white scales. Antenna strongly verticillate, length 1.52–2.28 mm (1.86 mm), flagellomeres similar in length. Clypeus golden. Proboscis 2.02–2.64 mm (2.37 mm), golden-scaled dorsally except for white scales on middle, ventrally white-scaled except for golden scales at base and on labella. Maxillary palpus 2.40–3.27 mm (2.89 mm), Plp1,2 fused and golden scaled, Plp3 with golden scales and sometimes white-scaled laterally. Ventral surface of Plp4 and basoventral surface of Plp5 white-scaled, remainder goldenscaled. Brown setae, abundant and longer on Plp4 and apex of Plp3, Plp5 with fewer and shorter setae, Plp4,5 exceed proboscis from base of labella. <i>Thorax</i>: antepronotum with 5 golden setae, postpronotum with narrow white scales on apical margin and 4 brown to golden setae; other pleural setae as follows: 5,6 prealar, 2–5 and 4–7 upper and lower mesokatepisternal, respectively, 5–8 and 1 upper and lower mesanepimeral, respectively. Scutellum with 6,7 and 3,4 large median and lateral setae, respectively. <i>Wing</i>: length 3.22–3.85 mm (3.56 mm), narrow and broad brown scales on veins C, R and R1 (broad scales more abundant), CuA, CuP and R4+5 (broad and narrow scales in similar proportion), base of vein 1A exclusively with broad scales; whitish scales on basal section of all or at least some of following veins: C, Sc or R. <i>Legs</i> (Fig. 2): C-I with a spot of broad white scales on basolateral area extending to anterior surface, some brown scales on anterior region, and brown setae with golden sheen in 2 longitudinal rows, anterior and posterior. Coxa II with spot of white scales on mid-anterior area and 2 median stripes of brown setae, on outer and inner surfaces, respectively. Coxa III whitish-scaled on midline of outer surface; golden short setae on apical margin and inner and outer surfaces, brown setae in a longitudinal row on posterior part of sclerite. Inner face of Tr-I with broad brown scales and a few whitish scales, inner face of Tr-II,III with whitish scales and a few brown scales. Femora, lengths as follow: Fe-I 1.85–2.27 mm (2.07 mm), Fe-II 1.81–2.30 mm (2.13 mm) and Fe-III 1.82–2.17 mm (2.01 mm). Tibiae brown-scaled dorsally and white-scaled ventrally and on distal margin, lengths: Ti-I 1.83–2.36 mm (2.11 mm), Ti-II 2.00– 2.53 mm (2.29 mm) and Ti-III 1.76–2.41 mm (2.16 mm). Tarsomeres1–3 with brown scales dorsally and whitish scales ventrally, Ta4–5 golden-scaled. Tarsomeres I5, II5 with evident empodium and unguitractor plate on apical third, ungues brown, one more developed with secondary tooth (Fig. 2 a, b). Basal third of Ta-I5 with an acute projection (Fig. 2 a). Tarsus III brown-scaled dorsally and ventrally, ungues simple (Fig. 2 c). Tarsomeres, lengths: Ta-I1 1.04–1.27 mm (1.05 mm), Ta-II1 1.22–1.51 mm (1.40 mm), Ta- III1 1.73–2.27 mm (2.11 mm); Ta-I2 0.47–0.60 mm (0.54 mm), Ta-II2 0.64–0.76 mm (0.71 mm), Ta-III2 1.06–1.33 mm (1.25 mm); Ta-I3 0.30–0.35 mm (0.32 mm), Ta-II3 0.41–0.49 mm (0.46 mm), Ta-III3 1.00– 1.24 mm (1.06 mm); Ta-I4 0.09–0.10 mm (0.098 mm), Ta-II4 0.17–0.19 mm (0.18 mm), Ta-III4 0.46–0.68 mm (0.59 mm); Ta-I5 0.17– 0.20 mm (0.18 mm), Ta-II5 0.16–0.19 mm (0.18 mm), Ta-III5 0.26–0.29 mm (0.27 mm). <i>Abdomen</i>: terga brownscaled, white scales as follow: II-Te reaching apex of segment; terga III–V complete basal bands up to 0.22–0.30, 0.37–0.40 and 0.40 length of each, respectively; VI-Te with complete basal band up to 0.42–0.46 medially, reaching 0.60–0.69 laterally. Other terga lost during dissection of genitalia. <i>Genitalia</i> (Fig. 3): Gonocoxite short (Fig. 3 a, c), length approximately 1.86x widest part, outer border with short setae, strong setae on dorsal and ventral faces, apical area with 2–4 setae not reaching 0.25 length of gonostylus. Subapical lobe neither prominent nor divided, setae <i>a–c</i>, strong, rodlike, <i>a</i> shortest, straight with blunt apex, <i>b</i> and <i>c</i> with slightly curved apex, <i>b</i> broader at base than apex, <i>c</i> longer than <i>b</i>. Seta <i>g</i> foliform, apex angular; seta <i>f</i> filiform with curved apex; seta <i>h</i> narrowly leafshaped, slightly longer than <i>g</i>. External surface of gonostylus smooth, inner surface with longitudinal groove; basal 0.05–0.06 mm of external border strongly convex, inner border with gentle curvature, appearing enlarged in proximal third. Two setae on apical third of lateral face, gonostylar claw short, apex blunt. <i>Phallosome</i>: lateral plate (Fig. 3 b, d) with broad dorsal arm, tapering considerably in distal third, longer than teeth of lateral plate. Ventral arm tooth-like, narrower and less sclerotized than teeth of lateral plate, bent 90º over 2 ventral teeth of lateral plate; external margin strongly sclerotized. Lateral plate with 7–10 sclerotized teeth, apices blunt. Dorsal process rounded, sclerotized like teeth of lateral plate. <i>Proctiger</i> (Fig. 3 e): apex with a crown of lateral flattened setae and inner spiniform spicules, basolateral arm bent, apex blunt, with 4,5 cercal setae. Lobe of IX-Te small, with 5–7 setae (Fig. 3 f).</p> <p> PUPA (Fig. 4). Placement and character of setae as figured, number of branches from each side of body in Table 1. <i>Cephalothorax</i>: integument yellowish; maxillary palpus, postscutal area and antenna tanned, metanotum yellowish, slightly tan in medial region. Setae 4–7-CT longer than usual for <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>), length similar to length of 2,3-CT. Trumpet cylindrical, brown, reticular area and tracheoid area differentiated, mid-region of reticular area slightly expanded; length 0.44–0.59 mm, width 0.10–0.15 mm, index 4.12. <i>Abdomen</i>: length 2.65 mm; integument yellowish to ocher. Seta 1-I fanlike with 10 principal branches ending in 48,54 secondary aciculate branches, seta 5-I forked 0.50–0.60 from base with 3,4 branches, seta 6-II 0.70 mm long, seta 14-II present, seta 1-V extends 0.75 length of segment VI, setae 5-IV–VI longer than following tergum. Setae 1,5-VII about half length of tergum VIII, seta 2-VII mesad of 1-VII, seta 6-VII with simple branches, setae 9-VII, VIII with aciculate branches. Seta 1-IX absent. <i>Genital lobe</i> (male): slightly tan, smooth, length 0.35 mm. No punctures observed. <i>Paddle</i>: length 0.78,0. 79 mm. Slightly tan, almost transparent, smooth; midrib thick, strong; outer margin visible entire length of paddle. Seta 1-Pa thick, single and aciculate, seta 2-Pa single.</p> <p> LARVA (fourth-instar) (Fig. 5). Placement and character of setae as figured, number of branches from each side of body in Table 2. <i>Head</i>: wider than long, width 1.43 mm, length 0.82 mm, tanned, lateralia and posterior region of dorsal apotome darker. Hypostomal suture long, reaching collar, collar narrow and brown. Dorsomentum brown except for clearer base, with 6,7 pointed teeth on each side of median tooth. Setae 1,3-C single, simple, setae 0,2,16,17-C absent. A puncture observed aligned with seta 15-C toward base of head. <i>Antenna</i>: length 0.60,0. 62 mm; slightly tan, basal margin and apex darker; outer surface with spine-like spicules, between insertion of seta 1- A and apex. Seta 1-A inserted about 0.74 from base, fanlike with 18,20 aciculate branches, insertion with a minute crown of sclerotized spicules (Fig. 4 a). Setae 2–4-A long and similar in length, 6-A with pointed apex and conspicuously longer than 5-A. <i>Thorax</i>: integument hyaline, with minute spicules, length 5–7.5 µm. Tubercles of large dorsal setae moderately and evenly tanned. Tubercles of setae 9–12-M with a strongly sclerotized spine with divided tips, seta 10-T surrounded by crown with 4 spines (Fig. 5 c). A sclerotized plate with denticles about 12.5– 15 µm located anterior to seta 5-M (Fig. 5 c). Setae 11,14-P with simple branches, between 0.06–0.10 mm and 0.12–0.15 mm long, respectively. Setae 1–8,12-P aciculate; 9,10-P similar in length, single; setae 5–7-M single, aciculate, single; 7,9,10,13-T aciculate with 7,8; 6; 1 and 5 branches, respectively. <i>Abdomen</i>: integument hyaline, glabrous, except segment VIII with spicules between 5–10 µm surrounding comb scales. Seta 6-I–VII aciculate, 10-I long, reaching posterior margin of segment, 12,13-I 0.50 length of segment. Seta 7-II long, 0.75 length of 6-II; 10–12-II reaching posterior margin of segment, 13-II dendritic, seta 14-II present. Setae 1,3-III reach middle of segment IV. Puncture absent on segment III, present between setae 3,4-IV,V. Setae 1,3-V long, reaching bases of seta 6-VI. Seta 1-VI as long as segment, seta 13-VI dendritic. Sclerotized plate with denticles (similar to plate on metathorax) present between setae 6,7-I. <i>Segment VIII</i>: setae 1,3,5-VIII aciculate, 47,56 comb scales in 4 rows. <i>Siphon</i>: tanned, glabrous, basal margin and acus brown. Length 1.58 mm, width 0.32 mm, index 4.94. Pecten on basal 0.24, with 13 spines, majority with 1 basal denticle, some with 2. Seta 1-S in 6 pairs, all slightly longer than width of siphon at point of insertion, 1a-S not within distal elements of pecten, 1e-S not aligned, 1a–d-S between 0.25–0.32 mm long and 1e,f-S between 0.20–0.24 mm. Seta 8-S narrower than usual, seta 9-S curved apically. <i>Segment X</i>: saddle complete, tanned, basal margin and medial area of caudal margin darker, length 0.39 mm. Minute spicules on anteroventral area, more evident posterolaterally. Seta 2-X triple, branches unequal in length, longest 2.22 mm long, 0.70 length of 3-X. Seta 4-X in 6 pairs. Anal papillae stouter than usual, apices blunt, length of dorsal papillae 0.46–0.48 mm, ventral papillae 0.36–0.39 mm; width 0.11–0.12 mm.</p> <p>Seta Head Thorax Abdominal segments</p> <p>13 3,3 - 1,5 5,5 2,2>10,>10 4,4 4,5 5,5 26,33 3,3 - - 14 1,1 1,1 16,17 - - 1,1 1,1 1,1 1,1 1,1 1-A Pecten CS 15 3,4 - - - - - - - - - 18,20 13,13 47,56</p> <p> ?: not found (loss seta, only alveolus) <b>Material examined.</b> 5M, 4MG, 4F, 3FG, 2Pe, 1Le as follow: ARGENTINA, Córdoba Province: Achiras (approximately 33° 10´06.2´´ S – 64° 59´25.5´´ W and 830 m a.s.l.), 1M (Holotype, P 1124), 2MG (holotype, P 5219 and paratype, P 1161 in Faure with genitalia on slides a, b, c), 1F (allotype, P 1150), 1FG (allotype, P 6392), 1Pe (paratype, P 1160), 23-II-1938, Del Ponte coll.; Copina (approximately 31º 34´15.75´´ S – 64º 45´26.87´´ W and 1946 m a.s.l.), 4M, 5MG, 2F, 2FG, 1Pe, 1Le, 01-X-1995, Harbach & Almirón coll.</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> <i>Culex lahillei</i> is known from Argentina, recorded from Córdoba and Buenos Aires provinces (Campos & Maciá 1998), the latter one dubious.</p> <p> <b>Taxonomy.</b> The female of <i>Cx. lahillei</i> is very similar to several species of the genus, including <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Allimanta</i>) <i>tramazayguesi</i> Duret, <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>) <i>apicinus</i> Philippi, <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>) <i>brethesi</i> Dyar, <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>) <i>chidesteri</i> Dyar, <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>) <i>dolosus</i> Lynch Arribálzaga, <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>) <i>fernandezi</i> Casal, García & Cavallieri and <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>) <i>maxi</i> Dyar. It shares with all species except <i>Cx. dolosus</i> the presence of whitish scales at the base of vein C and/or vein Sc; with <i>Cx. apicinus</i>, <i>Cx. brethesi</i>, <i>Cx. chidesteri</i> and <i>Cx. dolosus</i>, inconspicuous joint between tarsomeres; with <i>Cx. chidesteri, Cx. dolosus, Cx. fernandezi</i> and <i>Cx. tramazayguesi</i>, the presence of white scales on the postspiracular lobe; with <i>Cx. apicinus</i> and <i>Cx. fernandezi</i>, long narrow scales on the scutum; and, finally, with <i>Cx. tramazayguesi</i>, Ta-III1 shorter than Ti-III (diagnostic for the subgenus <i>Allimanta</i>). The last character, which it shares with <i>Cx. tramazayguesi,</i> distinguishes <i>Cx. lahillei</i> from other <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>) species.</p> <p> In summary, the characteristics that separate the female of <i>Cx. lahillei</i> from those of the other species include: scutal and pleural integument darker, strongly contrasting with white scales in <i>Cx. apicinus</i>, <i>Cx. fernandezi</i> and <i>Cx. tramazaiguesi</i>; absence of postspiracular scales in <i>Cx. apicinus</i>, <i>Cx. brethesi</i> and <i>Cx. maxi</i>; scutal scales long and narrow in <i>Cx. chidesteri</i>, <i>Cx. dolosus</i>, <i>Cx. maxi</i> and <i>Cx. tramazayguesi</i>; scutal scales in a pattern in <i>Cx. apicinus</i>, <i>Cx. dolosus</i> and <i>Cx. fernandezi</i>; and smaller general size in <i>Cx. tramazayguesi</i>.</p> <p> <b>Discussion.</b> Bachmann & Casal (1962) compared <i>Cx. lahillei</i> with <i>Cx. delys</i> and <i>Cx. tramazayguesi</i> because they share the presence of white scales at the bases of veins C and Sc and, particularly in comparison to <i>Cx. tramazayguesi</i>, white scales on the postspiracular area. Bachmann & Casal distinguished <i>Cx. lahillei</i> from <i>Cx. delys</i> by the absence of white scales on some wing veins and the postspiracular area, and with <i>Cx. tramazayguesi</i> by the darker integument, more concave postgenital lobe of the female and the form of the basistyle and mesosome of the male of <i>Cx. tramazayguesi</i>. The presence of white scales at the base of veins C and Sc and on the postspiracular area are characteristics of several species in the subgenus <i>Culex</i>.</p> <p> The trumpet of the pupa is comparable to that in <i>Cx. apicinus</i>, but the latter can be distinguished by the presence of seta 13-III–VI, or at least its alveolus. The characters that distinguish <i>Cx. lahillei</i> from other <i>Cx.</i> (<i>Cux.</i>) species are: the length of setae 4–7-CT being similar to that of setae 2,3-CT, the presence of seta 14-II and the absence of seta 1-IX in the pupa; the presence of seta 14-II, the thinness of seta 8-S and the width of the anal papillae in the larva. Based on these ch

Culex (Culex) acharistus Root

<i>Culex</i> (<i>Culex</i>) <i>acharistus</i> Root <p> <i>Culex acharistus</i> Root, 1927: 578 (M, F). Type locality: Agua Limpa, Minas Gerais, Brazil (USNM). Lane 1953: 347 (M*, F, P*). Stone & Knight 1957: 42 (lectotype designation), Bachmann & Casal 1963: 39 (M*, P*, L*), Forattini 1965: 142 (M*, F), Forattini & Rabello 1965: 28 (P*), Bram 1967a: 23 (M*, L*).</p> <p> FEMALE: <i>Head</i>: Integument dark brown. Dorsum with dark brown erect scales, sometimes paler in midanterior region, and narrow, decumbent, curved pale scales. Coronal suture with narrow decumbent pale scales. Ocular line with a narrow row of white scales. Postgena with abundant, broad, decumbent white scales. Ocular and interocular setae dark. Antenna 1.58–1.95 mm (1.78 mm), pedicel with dark pruinosity, similar length between flagellomeres, dark, no scales on all flagellomeres sometimes base of flagellomere 1 paler. Clypeus dark. Proboscis 1.58–2.12 mm (1.86 mm), mainly dark-scaled, basal 0.75 ventrally white-scaled, labella golden. Maxillary palpus 0.31–0.45 mm (0.38 mm), brown-scaled. <i>Thorax</i>: Scutal integument dark brown, scutum with small golden scales on disc and long golden scales on anterolateral area of scutal fossa, antealar and prescutellar areas. Pale scales from anterior promontory along lateral margins, as spots on the distal half of scutum and laterally to the dorsocentral setae (easily lost) and also at sides of prescutellar area (sometimes, anterior border of prescutellar area with a band of pale scales). Acrostichal, dorsocentral and supraalar setae dark brown. Pleural integument dark brown, velvety. Antepronotum and postpronotum with narrow pale scales. Spots of broad pale scales as follows: lower proepisternum, upper and lower mesokatepisternum, anterior to upper mesepimeral setae and between on these and lower mesepimeral setae. Postspiracular scales absent. Antepronotum with fine golden and a few strong brown setae. Postpronotum with 3–6 (5) brown setae, remainder of pleural setae golden: 5–7 (6) proepisternal, 6–8 (7) prealar, 3–6 and 3– 9 (3) upper and lower mesokatepisternal, respectively, 4–9(6) and 1 upper and lower mesepimeral, respectively. Pre- and postspiracular setae absent. Scutellum with pale scales confined to the lobes; 6, 7 and 5, 6 (5) median and lateral brown scutellar setae. Mesopostnotum with yellowish to brown pruinosity, without scales and setae. <i>Wing</i>: Length 3.30–3.94 mm (3.56 mm), with broad brown scales, occasionally mixed with narrow scales along costa, radius, R4+5, cubitus, Cu1, Cu2, basal third of anal and generally over M3+4. Other veins covered with brown scales with bronze sheen. <i>Halter</i>: Whitish to yellowish; capitellum with pale scales, generally reaching the pedicel. <i>Legs</i>: Coxal integument paler than scutum; forecoxa with pale scales on basal third, distal 0.75 darker, brown setae between scales; midcoxa pale-scaled dorsally, ventrally without scales, with a longitudinal line of brown setae; hindcoxa with medial of scales and posterior line of golden setae. Trochanters with pale scales. Fore- and midfemur dark-scaled dorsally, pale-scaled ventrally, hindfemur with dark scales on dorsal surface, pale- scaled ventrally except darker on distal 0.2; Fe-1 1.56–2.02 mm (1.73 mm), Fe-2 1.91–2.18 mm (2.02 mm), Fe-3 1.66–2.03 mm (1.77 mm). Foretibia dark-scaled dorsally; midtibia with pale to golden scales ventrally; hindtibia dark-scaled. Femora and tibia with narrow apical ring of golden scales. Tarsus golden- to dark-scaled, sometimes paler ventrally; joints between tarsomeres with inconspicuous ring of pale scales. Pulvilli golden to dark; ungues dark, simple. <i>Abdomen</i>: Tergum I without scales, with golden setae. Tergum II with a basomedial spot of pale scales. Terga III–VII with a complete basal band of pale scales up to 0.3 length of segment, sometimes broader on media or lateral region on terga III–V and terga VI–VII, respectively. Tergum VIII with a complete basal band of pale scales, up to 0.5 length of tergum in midregion, reaching apical extreme laterally. Dark scaling of terga II–VIII brown with golden sheen, with fine golden setae on posterior margin. Sterna mainly pale-scaled, sterna III–VIII with dark scales posteriorly on midline, more scattered laterally. Golden setae more abundant than on tergum.</p> <p> MALE: Like female except for the sexual differences. <i>Head</i>: Dorsum with abundant narrow white scales and broad, curved decumbent scales, mixed with ocular scales. Antenna strongly verticillate, 1.12–1.66 mm (1.37 mm). Proboscis dark-scaled, 1.91–2.37 mm (2.18 mm). Maxillary palpus dark-scaled; length 2.11–3.12 mm (2.71 mm); palpomere 3 with a pale ring on basal third, sometimes with an apical spot of white scales; ventral surface of palpomere 4 and base of palpomere 5 white-scaled ventrally. <i>Thorax</i>: Spot of pale scales usually present on posterior half of scutum lateral to dorsocentral setae. Pleural setae: 5 postpronotal, 7–13 proepisternal, 5–7 (6) prealar, 5–7 (6), 5,6 (6) and 5–8 (6) upper and lower mesokatepisternal, respectively, 6– 10 (7) upper and 1 lower mesepimeral. Median scutellar setae 6–8 (6) and lateral 4,5 (5). <i>Wing</i>: Length 2.94– 3.64 mm (3.38 mm). <i>Legs</i>: Hindfemur pale-scaled ventrally; Fe-1 1.52–1.90 mm (1.70 mm), Fe-2 1.88–2.09 mm (1.98 mm), Fe-3 1.78–1.97 mm (1.89 mm). Hindtibia sometimes with pale scales ventrally. Joints between fore- and midtarsomeres slightly more evident. Fore- and midungues with secondary tooth, hindungues simple. <i>Abdomen</i>: Golden setae of sterna more abundant. <i>Genitalia</i> (Fig. 1, 2): Gonocoxite short, length approximately 1.7 widest part, external border mainly with short and moderately long setae, few strong setae. Subapical lobe prominent, undivided, setae <i>a-c</i>, stout, rodlike, pointed and arranged near a triangle, <i>b</i> stouter than <i>a</i> and <i>c</i>, <i>a</i> is shorter than <i>b</i> and <i>c</i>. Seta <i>g</i> foliform, seta <i>f</i> filiform and seta <i>h</i> stronger than <i>f</i> and with hooked apex (Fig. 1 a). Gonostylus with normal appearance in lateral view, distal 0.75 slightly broader, apical third with minute annulations (Fig. 1 b), with 2 setae at distal third and apical gonostylar claw. <i>Phallosome</i>: Not heavily sclerotized, except for paramere and dorsal aedeagal bridge. Ventral arm broad, tapering to apex, laterally bended, dorsolateral margin slightly more sclerotized. Just outside this tooth is a small tubercle. Mesal lobe dorsally placed 0.5 length of VA, a narrow plate ending in 2 or 3 divergent points and a low rounded plate. Well developed lateral lobe present. Dorsal and lateral arm absent. Dorsal process thumblike, tapering toward apex (not pointed), in lateral and mesal view with triangular aspect. <i>Proctiger</i>: Apex with a crown of pointed spicules covering apical third of paraproct, basolateral arm bended, bent apex, with 2–4 cercal setae. IX tergal lobe small, with 10–21 setae.</p> <p> PUPA (Fig. 3): Placement and character of setae as figured; range and modal number of branches in Table 1. <i>Cephalothorax</i>: Integument lightly tanned, homogeneously colored, maxillary palpus, distal extreme of legs and postscutal area sometimes slightly darker, metanotum evenly tanned, sometimes lighter laterally. Seta 9-CT conspicuously shorter than other <i>Cx</i>. (<i>Cux</i>.) species. Trumpet cylindrical, evenly tanned, tracheoid and meatus bordering pinna sometimes darker; length 0.52–0.64 mm (0.59 mm), width 0.07–0.12 mm (0.09 mm), index 4.46–7.87 (6.08). <i>Abdomen</i>: Length 2.11–2.74 mm (2.53 mm); integument yellowish to tan, slightly darker in midregion. Tergum I smooth, II–VIII with groups of minute spicules. Seta 1-I fanlike with 13–19 aciculate branches; 6-I,II longer than 7-I,II; setae 8,10,11,13-II, if present, single, 9-VIII fanlike with aciculate branches. <i>Genital lobe</i>: Slightly tanned in both sexes, males: length 0.33–0.37 mm (0.34 mm), wrinkled ventrally, with spicules ending in 3 tips; females: spicules limited to the mid-apical region, length 0.18– 0.21mm (0.195 mm). <i>Paddle</i>: Length 0.77–0.93 mm (0.87 mm). Yellowish to slightly tan, midrib thick, strong, extending length of paddle. Apical 0.25 of outer margin serrated on more than proximal half. Seta 1-Pa 0.07–0.10 mm (0.09 mm), strong, generally single, seta 2-Pa absent.</p> <p> <b>Observations</b>. Isolated cases as follow: 9-CT single, 3-I single, 6-I double, 2-II double, 3-II single, 10-III single, 3-IV triple, 10-V double, 3-VII single, 0-VIII double, 4-VIII single, 14-VIII double. A puncture was observed between setae 4,5-III,IV in all specimens examined, and between setae 4,5-V in 85% of the specimens. Seta 9-CT conspicuously shorter and seta 9-VI in an unusual position relative to other <i>Cx</i>. (<i>Cux</i>.).</p> <p> LARVA (fourth-instar) (Fig. 4): <i>Head</i>: Wider than long, width 1.24 mm, length 0.95 mm, intensely tanned, anterior region of lateralia lighter. Collar thin, brown. Dorsomentum brown, long teeth mainly with round apex, lateral teeth pointed, with 12–15 (12) teeth on each side of median tooth. Seta 0, 1-C single, seta 3-C usually single, seta 2-C absent, setae 5–7-C fanlike with aciculate branches, 4-C with 1–3 (3) branches, 4- C with 4–6 (5) branches, 7-C with 5–7 (7) branches, 15-C generally double, 6- Mx single, at most as long as 14-C, setae 16,17-C absent. <i>Antenna</i>: Length 0.37–0.45 mm (0.40 mm), intensely tanned, darker on distal half, conspicuously aciculate on basal half, aciculate shorter toward apex, absent on distal fourth. Seta 1-A fanlike with 10–14 aciculate branches, inserted 0.45–0.52 (0.48) from base. Setae 2–6-A stout at base. <i>Thorax</i>: Integument hyaline, glabrous except for minute spicules near pleural setal groups on pro-, meso- and metathorax. Tubercles of large dorsal setae intensely tanned, tubercles of setae 9–12-M, T with a crown of 1– 4 pointed, sclerotized teeth. Setae 1-8-P aciculate, 4,7-P double, setae 9,10-P ≤ 0.5 length of 12-P, 11-P long compared to 11-M,T, setae 9,12-P single. Seta 1-M with 4–10 (4) branches, 5–7-M, 9,10,12-M fanlike with Seta Head Thorax Abdominal segments 40– 49 10–14</p> <p> <b>Observations</b>. Isolated cases as follows: 3-C double, 4-P single, 7-P triple, 9-P double, 2-T triple, 10-II double, 11-V single, 12-VII double, 1b-S single. A sclerotized and minutely denticulate plate about 0.0 2 mm long is present between setae 6,7-I, between seta 6-VIII and the basal margin of the segment, and with variable occurrence on the other segments.</p> <p> aciculate branches, 10,12-M similar in length, 13-M dendritic. 1-M and 13-T long, 0.28–0.38 and 0.31–0.34 length of 5-M respectively. Seta 2-T single. <i>Abdomen</i>: Integument hyaline, segment III with or without some minute spicules. Setae 4,5-I long, ≤0.5 length of 3-I. Seta 5-II varies from less to more than 0.5 length of 3-II, 1-IV as long as 6-IV; seta 1-VII sometimes aciculate. <i>Segment VIII</i>: Spiculation more evident than other segments. Comb with 40–49 scales arranged in 4 irregular rows, fringed apically and/or marginally. <i>Siphon</i>: Length 1.14–1.47 mm (1.30 mm), width 0.29–0.47 (0.40 mm), index 2.85–4.60 (3.30). Intensely tanned including acus, basal margin darker. Pecten on basal 0.33 with 13-21 spines, longest located distally, with 2–5 basal denticles. Seta 1-S in 4 pairs, most basal seta arises distal pecten, setae not aligned. Seta 1d-S shorter than 1a–c-S: 1a-S 1.59–2.90 (2.22) times longer than 1d-S. Setae 2,6–9-S single. <i>Segment X</i>: Saddle complete, length 0.30–0.36 mm (0.34 mm), intensely tanned, spicules more evident on dorsoposterior border. Siphon/ saddle index 3.40–4.27 (3.87). Seta 1-X generally double; 2,3-X single; 4-X not attached to saddle, generally in 5 pairs, sometimes with a sixth odd element. Anal papillae long and slender, tapering toward apex, ventral pair shorter than the dorsal one.</p> <p> <b>Material examined</b>. <i>Culex</i> (<i>Culex</i>) <i>acharistus</i>: 14M, 23MG, 16F, 33Pe, 32Le, 6L as follows: ARGENTINA, Tucumán Province: Trancas, San Francisco stream (26º 13´02´´ S – 65º 16´59´´ W), 1M, 1MG, 20-IX-1997, Augier coll.; Tafí del Valle (26º 52´00´´ S – 65º 43´00´´ W), 5M, 6MG, 3F, 7Pe, 7Le, 15- I-2001, Molina coll.; Córdoba Province: Río Seco (32º 47´60´´ S – 64º 31´W), 3M, 8MG, 14-XI-1987, Almirón coll.; Alta Gracia (31º 39´59´´ S – 64º 26´00´´ W), 10F, 14Pe, 14Le, 26-I-1988, Almirón coll.; Villa de Soto, Candelaria River (30º 52´00´´ S – 64º 58´59´´ W), 1F, 1Pe, 1Le, 3-II-1988, Brewer & Almirón coll.; Mina Clavero (31º 43´00´´ S – 65º 01´00´´ W), 1MG, 1Pe, 1Le, 1-X-1995, Harbach coll.; Vaquerías, Vaquerías Stream (31º 08´28´´ S – 64º 28´46´´ W), 2M, 2MG, 1F, 4Pe, 3Le, 19-II-2008, Laurito coll; Río Negro Province: Meseta de Somuncura (41º 33´39´´ S – 66° 19´04´´ W), 2 M, 4MG, 1F, 4 Pe, 2 L, 7-XII-06, Rossi coll.; Bariloche, Lake Nahuel Huapi (41º 05´55´´ S – 71º 10´55´´ W), 2Pe, 6Le, 4L, III-03, Rossi coll.; Corrientes Province: Mocoretá (30º 36´59´´ S – 57º 58´00´´ W), 1M, 1MG, 17-II-89, Marino coll.</p> <p> <b>Distribution</b>. <i>Culex acharistus</i> is known from Brazil, Chile, Argentina (Knight & Stone, 1977) and Colombia (Bram, 1967). In Argentina it is recorded from Córdoba, Corrientes, Jujuy, Neuquén, Río Negro, Tucumán, Chubut (Campos & Maciá, 1998) and Buenos Aires (Rossi, 2000) provinces.</p> <p> <b>Bionomics</b>. Larvae of <i>Cx. acharistus</i> were collected mainly in natural sites, in different climates and seasons of the year as follows (months and climates in parentheses): Brazil: state of Minas Gerais: marshy expansions of mountain streams and side-pools of a small, rapid river in Agua Limpa (March; tropical), state of São Paulo: Salesópolis (July; tropical); Chile: Concepción Province: Concepción (warm temperate), Llanquihue Province: Puerto Montt (warm wet temperate); Argentina: Jujuy Province: La Mendieta (February; tropical mountain range); Tucumán Province: stream San Francisco (September; tropical mountain range), Tafí del Valle (January; tropical mountain range); Córdoba Province: Alta Gracia (January and November; temperate mountain range), Río Seco (November; temperate mountain range), Candelaria River in Villa de Soto (February; temperate mountain range) and marshy expansions of Vaquerías Stream (February; temperate mountain range), Mina Clavero (October; arid mountain range); Neuquén Province: Junín de los Andes (April; humid cold mountain range); Río Negro Province: Colorado River (January; semiarid), Somuncura plateau (982 masl, arid and cold); Chubut Province: Puerto Madryn (February; semiarid); Buenos Aires Province; Palo Blanco, Berisso (October; temperate). São Paulo city and Palo Blanco are the only urban and semi-urban areas respectively where the species has been found as larvae. Females of <i>Cx. acharistus</i> were captured with cylindrical lard-can traps with rabbit, chicken, toad and turtle bait in Córdoba and Cosquín cities (March, April, October and November; mountain range), as well as on humans (Almirón & Brewer, 1995).</p> <p> <b>Taxonomy</b>. Females of <i>Cx. acharistus</i> are similar to several species, including <i>Cx. apicinus</i> Philippi, <i>Cx. brethesi</i> Dyar, <i>Cx. chidesteri</i> Dyar, <i>Cx. dolosus</i> Lynch Arribálzaga, <i>Cx. pipiens</i> L. complex, <i>Cx. bidens</i> Dyar, <i>Cx. interfor</i> Dyar and <i>Cx. ameliae</i> Casal. The characters that distinguish <i>Cx. acharistus</i> from these species are: the narrow pale scales on scutum and the complete basal pale bands of the terga that cover at least 0.48 of the segment in <i>Cx. apicinus</i>; sternum with dark scales and median and posterior patches of white scales present in <i>Cx. brethesi</i>; postspiracular scales in <i>Cx. chidesteri</i>; scutum with antealar spots of yellowish scales in <i>Cx. dolosus</i>; intermixed pale and dark erect scales in the <i>Cx. pipiens</i> complex; joints between hindtarsomeres pale-scaled in <i>Cx. bidens</i> and <i>Cx. interfor</i>, and mesopostnotum with narrow and decumbent bronze scales in <i>Cx. ameliae</i>.</p> <p> <b>Discussion</b>. The shape of the dorsomentum, the insertion of seta 1-A near the middle of the antenna, the sclerotized and minutely denticulate plate of the abdominal segments and the shape of siphon easily distinguish the fourth-instar larva of <i>Cx. acharistus</i> from other <i>Cx</i>. (<i>Cux</i>.) species. The pupa is very similar to other species of the subgenus, but differs in having the seta 9-CT conspicuously shorter, the seta 9-VI in an unusually position, a long and strong seta 1-Pa and no seta 2-Pa.</p>Published as part of <i>Laurito, Magdalena, Almirón, Walter Ricardo & Rossi, Gustavo Carlos, 2009, Morphological redescription of the immature and adult stages of Culex (Culex) acharistus Root (Diptera: Culicidae), pp. 21-30 in Zootaxa 2263</i> on pages 22-28, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/190769">10.5281/zenodo.190769</a&gt

Principales criaderos para Aedes aegypti y culícidos asociados, Argentina

Breeding containers for Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti were identified in two cities of Chaco Province (northeast Argentina): Presidencia Roque Saenz Peña and Machagai. All water-retaining recipients found in house backyards capable to retain water were classified according to their type and size, counted and checked. Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus were the most frequently collected species, being also found Cx. maxi, Cx. saltanensis and Ochlerotatus scapularis. Tires and car batteries represented the most important type of container where immature forms of culicids could be found. Rain was an important factor for Ae. aegypti proliferation, as well as the widespread habit of the population of keeping useless containers at home, which allows the development of culicids.Se identificaron criaderos de Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti en dos ciudades de la provincia del Chaco (Noreste de Argentina): Presidencia Roque Saenz Peña y Machagai. Los recipientes encontrados en los patios de las viviendas capaces de colectar agua se clasificaron según tipo y tamaño, se contaron y examinaron. Aedes aegypti y Culex quinquefasciatus fueron las especies mas abundantes, encontrándose además Cx. maxi, Cx. saltanensis y Ochlerotatus scapularis. Los neumáticos y cajas de baterías para autos fueron los recipientes que más aportaron a la producción de formas inmaduras de los culícidos colectados. Las lluvias fueron un factor importante para la proliferacion de Ae. aegypti, así como también el habito comun en la población de guardar recipientes en sus casas que permitan el desarrollo de estos culícidos