Ecological differentiation of members of the Culex pipiens complex, potential vectors of West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever virus in Algeria

Abstract

BackgroundWe investigated the ecological differentiation of two members of the Culex pipiens complex, Cx. p. pipiens form pipiens and Cx. p. pipiens form molestus in three sites, El-Kala, M'Sila and Tinerkouk in Algeria. These two forms are the most widespread mosquito vectors in temperate regions exhibiting important behavioural and physiological differences. Nevertheless, this group of potential vectors has been poorly studied, particularly in North Africa.MethodsTen larval populations of Cx. p. pipiens were sampled from various above- and underground habitats in three zones representing the three bioclimatic regions in Algeria. The reproduction characteristics were also investigated in the laboratory to define the rates of autogeny and stenogamy. Identification of Cx. p. pipiens members present in Algeria was achieved using a molecular analysis with the microsatellite CQ11 locus.ResultsWe detected larvae of Cx. p. pipiens in all areas suggesting that the species is a ubiquitous mosquito well adapted to various environments. To our knowledge, this study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of the Cx. p. pipiens form molestus and hybrids (molestus/pipiens) in Algeria with a high proportion of molestus form (48.3 %) in comparison with hybrids (36.8 %) and pipiens form (14.9 %).ConclusionsSome unexpected correlations between the proportion of forms pipiens, molestus and hybrids, and mosquito biological characteristics were observed suggesting some epigenetic effects controlling Cx. p. pipiens mating and reproduction. Consequences for pathogen transmission are discussed.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1725-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An investigation of hibernating members from the Culex pipiens complex (Diptera, Culicidae) in subterranean habitats of central Germany

“…pipiens and, at least in Germany, relatively rare. Amara Korba et al 23 could prove the stenogamy and autogamy of Cx. p. molestus in 78.6% of their cases albeit this result does not account for all of the individuals.…”

Distribution spatiale et saisonnière des gîtes larvaires des moustiques dans les espaces agricoles de la zone de Mouila, Gabon

“…Deux sous-familles de moustiques, à savoir les Anophelinae et les Culicinae, ont été identifiées avec une prédominance des larves de Culicinae. Cette abondance des individus de Culicinae pourrait s'expliquer par le niveau de la nature des gîtes larvaireset par la capacité de résilience des larves de Culicinae (Korba et al, 2016). Ces observations corroborent celles faites par Korba et al (2016) De toutes les stations prospectées, ce sont les camps Moutassou, Mboukou et Ngounié, et le village Moutambe Sane Foumou qui ont été les plus productifs en larves de moustiques.…”

“…Cette abondance des individus de Culicinae pourrait s'expliquer par le niveau de la nature des gîtes larvaireset par la capacité de résilience des larves de Culicinae (Korba et al, 2016). Ces observations corroborent celles faites par Korba et al (2016) De toutes les stations prospectées, ce sont les camps Moutassou, Mboukou et Ngounié, et le village Moutambe Sane Foumou qui ont été les plus productifs en larves de moustiques. L'abondance de ces larves dans ces stations serait liée aux activités agricoles (palmeraies, cultures) pratiquées.…”

Breeding Site Characteristics and Associated Factors of Culex pipiens Complex in Lhasa, Tibet, P. R. China

“…Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes have a global distribution and are primary vectors of pathogens with public health significance including West Nile disease [1,2], St. Louis encephalitis [3], Sindbis [4], Rift Valley fever viruses [5,6], and periodic filariasis and encephalitis [7]. In China, the Cx.…”