Exploring the range of Culex mosquitoes in Western Argentinean Patagonia, unveiling the presence of Culex pipiens bioform pipiens in South America

Abstract

Culicids in Argentinean Patagonia are characterized by low species diversity and adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, yet few studies have been conducted in the region. To further assess the occurrence of Culicidae in Western Patagonia, and in particular the presence of Culex pipiens bioforms at the southernmost extent of their distribution, immature and adult specimens were collected aboveground across various land uses located in shrubland, steppe, and deciduous forest between 38.96 and 46.55°S. Mosquitoes were reported at 35 of the 105 inspected sites. Five species from the genus Culex were identifed, all of which were present in the steppe and the forest, while only Cx. apicinus and members of the Cx. pipiens complex were collected in the shrubland. Within the latter, a total of 150 specimens were molecularly identifed by PCR amplifcation of Ace-2 and CQ11 loci. The frst-to-date occurrence of bioform pipiens in South America is reported, along with the frst 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 frst record of Cx. eduardoi in Río Negro province is provided. Immature specimens of Cx. pipiens were conspicuous in human-made aquatic habitats (both containers and in the ground), while Cx. acharistus was more prominent in artifcial containers and Cx. eduardoi was mainly in ground habitats, either natural or human-made. These fndings provide valuable insights into the distribution and ecological roles of these mosquito species in a region of extreme environmental conditions.