Fernandez-Santos, N. A. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

An update on the mosquito fauna of Aguascalientes, Mexico: morphological and molecular identifications, host-feeding patterns, and the removal of Aedes idahoensis (Theobald) from Mexico

To better understand taxonomic identity and feeding patterns of mosquitoes in all physiographic regions and sub-regions of Aguascalientes, Mexico, we conducted surveillance followed by morphologic analysis and DNA metabarcoding. We targeted the Sierra Madre Occidental, Central Plateau, and Neo-Volcanic Axis. We sampled natural larval habitat for immature stages and adults were collected using Shannon and CDC light traps, mechanical aspirators, and human landing catch method. In addition, curated specimens from Aguascalientes deposited in a local institution were re-examined. Overall, 5,227 mosquito specimens consisting of 357 larvae, 199 larval exuviae, 373 pupal exuviae, 33 pupae, 3,000 females, 1,264 males, and 1 male genitalia were examined using taxonomic keys. Most immature and adult species (n = 20/34 species representing 58.8% coverage) were barcoded for molecular species designation, and a subsample (n = 64) of engorged female mosquitoes were analyzed for blood feeding patterns. Two subfamilies, four tribes, seven genera, 14 subgenera, and 34 species were identified, which one tribe, three genera, nine subgenera, and 22 species are new records. Phylogenetic analysis of specimens from Aguascalientes identified 20 species. Morphological observation of mosquitoes deposited in entomological collections resulted in the removal of Aedesidahoensis from Mexico, leaving the country with a total of 255 species documented. Bloodmeal metabarcoding was successful in 23 mosquitoes of five species, revealing evidence of feeding on more than a single vertebrate species in 17 individuals. Birds were the most common host with the cattle egret (Ardea ibis) found in 18 out of 23 mosquitoes. This update on the taxonomic identity and mosquito richness and feeding patterns from Aguascalientes affords a better understanding of the ecology of medically important mosquito species.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2025

Advancing the design of the kissing bug kill trap for surveillance of triatomines

Standardized surveillance and control of kissing bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), the insect vectors of the Chagas disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease, remains difficult. The Kissing Bug Kill Trap consists of solar powered LED lights mounted over a column of black funnels. It operates autonomously to capture, kill and preserve adult triatomines. We conducted experiments from 2022-2024 testing potential ways to improve trap performance, ease of deployment, and minimize cost. Thirteen prototypes evaluated in Texas, Guatemala, and Mexico captured 1,531 triatomines. In 2022-2023 we selected a six-funnel trap suspended from a single support pole with an angle bracket, and with four LED lights and a solar panel mounted above the rain-guard, as a reference trap. In 2023, traps with smaller funnels, blue funnels, and blue lights were inferior to the reference trap based on high by-catch of other arthropods and/or fewer triatomines caught per day. In 2024, traps with more or fewer than six funnels or with LED lights mounted on or below the rain guard did not outperform the reference trap. The experiments added five new triatomine species to the four already known to be caught by the Kissing Bug Kill Trap and revealed differences and similarities in phenology of dispersal flights of Triatoma gerstaeckeri over a three-year period in Texas. The reference trap was selected as the pre-commercial prototype, based on its suitability for triatomine surveillance and potential for reducing the risk of T. cruzi infection by intercepting dispersing adult triatomines before they reach human habitats.

ecology↗