Ecosystem diversity of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in a remnant of Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Abstract

Understanding mosquito biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest is important for assessing changes in the distribution of mosquito populations, which have been considered predominantly to be sylvatic. An observational study of Culicidae was conducted in a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve, Silva Jardim municipality, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, to evaluate species diversity and the influence of climatic factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) on species distribution. Two types of light trap were used: an automatic CDC trap baited with CO2 and a Shannon trap. Collections were also made using a manual suction tube. Overall, 15 700 Culicidae specimens were collected belonging to two subfamilies, 12 genera and 41 species. The most common species were Coquillettidia chrysonotum, Mansonia titillans and Coquillettidia venezuelensis. Principal component analyses indicated a major association between sampling site six and the species Anopheles albitarsis, Mansonia titilllans, Cq. chrysonotum and Cq. venezuelensis. Furthermore, diversity indices indicated that sampling sites 1, 6 and 4 displayed higher diversity and a more uniform species abundance. Culicidae abundance was positively correlated with temperature. Landscape units exhibited contrasting community compositions of mosquitoes at multiple scales, with the community composition more similar in sites with similar landscape parameters. The importance of constant entomological monitoring is underscored by the diversity of mosquito species in this reserve and their potential role in the transmission of pathogens, combined with intermittent flow of visitors to the area.

Little noticed, but very important: The role of breeding sites formed by bamboos in maintaining the diversity of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Atlantic Forest biome

“…However, none of these studies looked for immature forms of mosquitoes in their natural breeding sites. In a third mosquito survey at the PABioR, Alencar et al [ 37 ] also collected only adult forms, finding 41 species from 12 genera. Of these, 14 species were recorded in the present study.…”

Spatial distribution and interactions between mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and climatic factors in the Amazon, with emphasis on the tribe Mansoniini

“…Moreover, Ref. 45 conducted another study on faunal diversity in an Atlantic Forest remnant of the state of Rio de Janeiro and observed the highest abundance of Cq. chrysonotum (Peryassú, 1922) and Cq.…”

Oviposition behavior of wild yellow fever vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic Forest fragment, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

“…Studies of mosquito biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest contribute to a better understanding of the distribution patterns in mosquito populations. Specifically, possible changes in mosquito behavior and adaptations to the various environmental conditions or impacts in this biome are especially important 7 . Guimarães et al 19 observed that an increased incidence of epidemics related to anthropic environmental impacts is to be expected due to modifications in the behavior of pathogens and vectors.…”

“…Mosquitoes have attracted considerable attention due to their role in the transmission of several major pathogens, such as arboviruses (e.g., Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever) and malaria. These illnesses are considered a serious worldwide public health problem, especially in tropical countries, like Brazil 7 .…”