<i>Nyx pholeocola</i>, a new genus and cavernicolous species of tribe Aedini (Diptera: Culicidae) from southern Thailand based on morphological and molecular data

Abstract

Nyx Harbach & Linton, gen. nov., is introduced as a new mosquito genus of tribe Aedini for a previously unknown cavedwelling species, Nyx pholeocola Linton & Harbach, sp. nov., from southern Thailand. A diagnosis of the genus is provided that features unique anatomical characters of the adult, pupal and larval stages of the type species. The affinities of Nyx are discussed in terms of its position in the phylogeny of Aedini. Nyx is more closely related to Borichinda and Isoaedes than to other genera of tribe Aedini. Salient differences that distinguish these three genera are contrasted. The male and female genitalia, pupa and fourth-instar larva of the new species are illustrated. DNA sequence for the second nuclear internal spacer region (ITS2) and the 658-bp barcode fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene reveal very low similarity with published sequences, supporting the unique status of the new species.

Nyctomyia biunguiculata, a new cavernicolous species of tribe Aedini (Diptera: Culicidae) from southern Thailand

“…biunguiculata, the mosquito fauna of Thailand included 460 species classified in 54 genera and 40 subgenera (Rattanarithikul et al, 2010;Harbach et al, 2013) [the preoccupied generic name proposed by the latter authors was replaced by Harbach, 2013]. With the addition of Nc.…”

Diversity Of Mosquito Species Ovipositing In Different Zones of Light Intensity Within Limestone Caves In Thailand

“…Even though several confirmed cavernicolous mosquitoes have been found in Thailand (Reinert 1979;Harbach et al 2007Harbach et al , 2013Harbach and Taai 2014), cave-inhabiting mosquitoes and their basic biological characteristics have not been well studied. We investigated the distribution of cave-inhabiting mosquitoes in different light zones for 4 limestone caves in Thailand and explored the relationship between light intensity and mosquito abundance.…”