Spatial Patterns and Biodiversity of Mosquitoes (Order Diptera, Family Culicidae) within the Residual Atlantic Forest Area in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract The world is undergoing a biodiversity crisis as numerous regions witness a heightened incidence of deforestation within tropical ecosystems. This phenomenon is particularly severe in the Atlantic Forest, where the indigenous vegetation is presently confined to diminutive fragments. In the present study, we delineated the spatial distribution of mosquito fauna across multiple zones within a private residential complex established in a remnant section of the Atlantic Forest. The aim was to assess the potential risk of vector species circulation in this recently inhabited human settlement. Mosquito collections were carried out fortnightly from February to December 2013, in the ecotone and man-made area, using the vacuum-type, CDC light and oviposition traps. A total of 8,972 eggs were collected by ovitraps, 168 rafts collected by BR-OVT and 742 adults collected by CDC traps and aspiration. We identified 26 species, distributed in eight genera (Aedes, Aedeomyia, Culex, Coquiletide, Linatus, Mansonia, Uranotaenia and Wyeomyi). Several of these species are considered potential in the transmission of arboviruses in man-made area and ecotone, such as Culex nigripalpus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Aedeomyia squamipennis. Early identification of mosquito vectors, employed as a monitoring strategy, enhances the efficacy of mosquito vector control programs, consequently mitigating the dissemination of emerging arbovirus outbreaks.