The abundance, richness and diversity of mosquitoes and aquatic insects associated with their oviposition sites were surveyed along eight states of the Pacific coast of Mexico. Diversity was estimated using the Shannon index (H’), similarity measures and cluster analysis.

First Evidence of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in Southern Chiapas, Mexico

In the arboviral vector Aedes aegypti, adaptation to anthropogenic environments has led to a major evolutionary shift separating the domestic Aedes aegypti aegypti (Aaa) ecotype from the wild Aedes aegypti formosus (Aaf) ecotype. Aaa mosquitoes are distributed globally and have higher vectorial capacity than Aaf, which remained in Africa. Despite the evolutionary and epidemiological relevance of this separation, inconsistent morphological data and a complex population structure have hindered the identification of genomic signals distinguishing the two ecotypes. Here we assessed the correspondence between the geographic distribution, population structure and genome-wide selection of 511 Aaf and 123 Aaa specimens and report adaptive signals in 186 genes that we call Aaa molecular signatures. Our results indicate that Aaa molecular signatures arose from standing variation associated with extensive ancestral polymorphisms in Aaf populations and have been co-opted for self-domestication through genomic and functional redundancy and local adaptation. Overall, we show that the behavioural shift of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to live in association with humans relied on the fine regulation of chemosensory, neuronal and metabolic functions, as seen in the domestication processes of rabbits and silkworms. Our results also provide a foundation for the investigation of new genic targets for the control of Ae. aegypti populations.

Objective. To determine the species distribution, abun­dance, and diversity of culicids in the Yucatan Peninsula (YP); their potential distribution, using ecological niche modeling (ENM), and the risk of contact with urban and rural popula­tions. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out through the YP. The diversity of species was determined with the Shannon index. The potential distribution of the culicids was determined through the ENM, as well as the risk of urban and rural populations through contact with vectors. Results. A total of 10 699 specimens, 15 genera and 52 species were registered. Campeche and the Biosphere Reserve of Calakmul exhibited the highest diversity. Con­clusions. The ENM predict a high suitability in all the YP of Ae. aegypti, An. albimanus, An. pseudopuntipennis, Cx. coronator, and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The vector species that exhibited the highest risk of contact in the YP were Cx. quinquefasciatus, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently the most invasive vector species, with a widespread global distribution. Aedes albopictus is the potential vector of diverse arboviruses, including Zika and dengue. This study updated the ecological niche model of Ae. albopictus and inferred the potential distribution of natural Wolbachia infections in Ae. albopictus in México. The ecological niche models were constructed based on diverse model settings to better estimate the potential distributions and uncertainty indices of both Ae. albopictus and its natural Wolbachia infections in México. The distribution of Ae. albopictus covered the states across Northern México, the Gulf of México, the Pacific Coast of México, Central México, and the southeast of México. The ecological niche model of the natural Wolbachia infections in Ae. albopictus populations anticipated the occurrence of natural Wolbachia infections in the southeast of México, the Chiapas border with Guatemala, and Veracruz. These results can be used to prioritize vector surveillance and control programs in México for strategic and future decision-making; however, it is still necessary to establish active surveillance programs to assess model predictions based on the independent sampling of Ae. albopictus from different invasion zones in México. Finally, vector surveillance should also screen the natural Wolbachia infections in Ae. albopictus to validate Wolbachia predictions across México, particularly in the southeast of México.