Vector-borne diseases are responsible for more than 17% of human cases of infectious diseases. In most situations, effective control of debilitating and deadly vector-bone diseases (VBDs), such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika and Chagas requires up-to-date, robust and comprehensive information on the presence, diversity, ecology, bionomics and geographic spread of the organisms that carry and transmit the infectious agents. Huge gaps exist in the information related to these vectors, creating an essential need for campaigns to mobilise and share data. The publication of data papers is an effective tool for overcoming this challenge. These peer-reviewed articles provide scholarly credit for researchers whose vital work of assembling and publishing well-described, properly-formatted datasets often fails to receive appropriate recognition. To address this, GigaScience’s sister journal GigaByte partnered with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to publish a series of data papers, with support from the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Here we outline the initial results of this targeted approach to sharing data and describe its importance for controlling VBDs and improving public health.

The Culicidae family has two of the most important disease vector genus: Aedes spp. and Culex spp. Both of these are involved in the transmission of arboviruses. Here, we provide novel data for the geographical distribution of 2,383 specimens in the Culicidae family. We also report the percentage of houses infested with these vectors, and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices in three municipalities located in Cauca, Colombia. This dataset is relevant for research on vector-borne diseases because Aedes spp. can transmit arboviruses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya, and Culex spp. is a well-known vector of West Nile virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.

Phlebotomine sand flies are a highly diverse group of insects capable of transmitting Leishmania parasites. Therefore, the identification of vector species is important to understand local leishmaniasis dynamics. Among the Neotropical sand fly species, the genus Trichophoromyia is predominantly found in the Amazon. A new species of this genus, Trichophoromyia macrisae sp. nov., is described. Specimens were collected using Katchy light traps in forested areas of Manu Biological Station, located within the Manu Biosphere Reserve, in southern Peru. Morphological description was based on 10 male specimens. The disposition of setae in the gonocoxite and the shape of the paramere allows Th. macrisae sp. nov. to be distinguished from other species of genus that have aedeagal ducts > 4 times the length of the sperm pump. The description of Th. macrisae sp. nov. brings the number of species of Trichophoromyia in the Americas to 47 and in Peru to 15.

The CDC light trap with incandescent light is the most commonly used method for conducting sand fly surveillance. However, new trap models that use LED lights might provide a more cost-effective alternative. This study compared the efficacy of a modified commercial Katchy light trap with two CDC light trap models in capturing sand flies in the Amazonian rainforest of Peru. Using a 3 x 3 randomized Latin square design, the light traps were compared based on phlebotomine sand fly species total abundance, species richness, sex-specific collections, and efficiency in capturing potential vector species. A total of 1,184 sand flies were collected, representing nine genera and 25 species, including three species that had not been previously reported in the Cusco department. Significant differences in sand fly collections based on trap type were found, with the modified Katchy light trap capturing significantly higher total abundance and species richness compared to CDC light traps. This pattern held for both female and male sand flies, with the modified Katchy trap also collecting more potential vector species in terms of both abundance and species richness, although differences in potential vector species richness were only significant compared to the incandescent CDC light trap. These results suggest that the modified Katchy trap is a viable, cost-effective alternative for sand fly surveillance, offering potential improvements in leishmaniasis vector monitoring.

Madre de Dios, a department in Peru, is an endemic area for cutaneous leishmaniasis, accounting for about 20% of the country’s annual leishmaniasis cases. In April 2023, phlebotomine sand flies were captured from the peridomicile areas of Los Amigos Biological Station, located within Madre de Dios, using a modified Katchy light trap. A total of 801 individuals belonging to 19 species were identified and categorized based on their vectorial potential. Notably, this study’s capture of a female Evandromyia andersoni marks the first report of this species in Peru. The most abundant species found were from the genera Psychodopygus (7 species), Trichophoromyia (3 species) and Nyssomyia (3 species), with several species likely involved in the transmission of leishmaniasis in the region.

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes Aedes triseriatus (Say, 1823), a mosquito species native to eastern and central North America commonly known as the eastern tree hole mosquito. Due to the potential risk of its introduction and establishment beyond its native range, it is considered a potential invasive species, which is of particular concern because Aedes triseriatus is the primary vector of La Crosse virus (LACv), which is the most prevalent cause of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in North America.