DNA identification of species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex and first record of An. daciae in Belgium

• DOI: 10.1111/mve.12519
• Publication Date: 2021-05-06T06:15:53Z
• Authors: N. Smitz; K. De Wolf; A. Gheysen; I. Deblauwe; A. Vanslembrouck; K. Meganck; J. De Witte; A. Schneider; I. Verlé; W. Dekoninck; S. Gombeer; A. Vanderheyden; M. De Meyer; T. Backeljau; R. Müller; W. Van Bortel
• Keywords: Monophyly; Species complex

The present study aimed at identifying the members of Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) occurring in Belgium. Therefore, second internal transcribed spacer nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) loci were sequenced 175 111 specimens, respectively, collected between 2007 2019. In parallel, suitability two species-diagnostic PCR-RFLP assays was tested. identified specimens included: An. s.s. (N = 105), daciae 62), atroparvus 6) messeae 2). Each species characterized by unique ITS2 haplotypes, whereas COI only supported monophyly atroparvus, a historical malaria vector Species identification results further banding patterns. We report for first time Belgium, where it found to co-occur with latter most prevalent collection studied (60%) appears have widest distribution As other studies, appeared closely related species, up point that their status remains debatable, while ecological differences, including competences, need study.