CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Culicids in Argentinean Patagonia are characterized by low species diversity and adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, yet few20studies have been conducted in the region. To further assess the occurrence of Culicidae in Western Patagonia, and in particular thepresence of Culex pipiens bioforms at the southernmost extent of their distribution, immature and adult specimens were collectedaboveground across various land uses located in shrubland, steppe and deciduous forest between 38.96 and 46.55°S. Mosquitoes werereported at 35 of the 105 inspected sites. Five species from the genus Culex were identified, all of which were present in the steppe and theforest while only Cx. apicinus and members of the Cx. pipiens complex were collected in the shrubland. Within the latter, a total of 150specimens were molecularly identified by PCR amplification of Ace-2 and CQ11 loci. The first-to-date occurrence of bioform pipiens inSouth America is reported, along with first records of Cx. quinquefasciatus signatures in Patagonia. In addition, the distribution of Cx. acharistus and Cx. dolosus as south as Santa Cruz province is expanded, and the first record of Cx. eduardoi in Río Negro province isprovided. Immature specimens of Cx. pipiens were conspicuous in human-made aquatic habitats (both artificial and in the ground), whileCx. acharistus was more prominent in artificial containers, and Cx. eduardoi was mainly in ground habitats, either natural or human-made.These findings provide valuable insights into the distribution and ecological roles of these mosquito species in a region of extreme environmental conditions.

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