Diversity and spatio-temporal variation of phlebotomine sand flies (Phlebotominae: Diptera: Psychodidae) in three different types of land use and seasons in the state of Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

A sand fly fauna inventory was conducted in an ecotourism area of central Veracruz, Mexico. We recorded and analyzed the sand fly diversity at 3 different land use types (well-preserved forest, fruit-tree plantations, and human settlements) with sampling conducted 3 times in 1 year (dry, rainy, and cold seasons). A total of 891 specimens of 6 genera and 14 species was recorded. High diversity was detected in the preserved area due to a high species richness and abundance as compared with the fruit-tree plantations and human settlements, respectively. In relation to the seasons of the year, high diversity was found in the cold season as compared with the rainy and dry seasons. The variation of the Phlebotominae assemblage in space and time in the ecotourism zone is described, serving as a baseline to recommend preventive actions to settlers and travelers. Additionally, we include new species records for the state of Veracruz.