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Schattanek-Wiesmair B, Huemer P, Wieser C, Stark W, Hausmann A, Koblmüller S, Sefc KM. A DNA barcode library of Austrian geometridae (Lepidoptera) reveals high potential for DNA-based species identification. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298025. [PMID: 38466749 PMCID: PMC10927147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Situated in the Eastern section of the European Alps, Austria encompasses a great diversity of different habitat types, ranging from alpine to lowland Pannonian ecosystems, and a correspondingly high level of species diversity, some of which has been addressed in various DNA barcoding projects. Here, we report a DNA barcode library of all the 476 species of Geometridae (Lepidoptera) that have been recorded in Austria. As far as possible, species were sampled from different Austrian regions in order to capture intraspecific genetic variation. In total, 2500 DNA barcode sequences, representing 438 species, were generated in this study. For complete coverage of Austrian geometrid species in the subsequent analyses, the dataset was supplemented with DNA barcodes from specimens of non-Austrian origin. Species delimitations by ASAP, BIN and bPTP methods yielded 465, 510 and 948 molecular operational taxonomic units, respectively. Congruency of BIN and ASAP partitions with morphospecies assignments was reasonably high (85% of morphospecies in unique partitions), whereas bPTP appeared to overestimate the number of taxonomic units. The study furthermore identified taxonomically relevant cases of morphospecies splitting and sharing in the molecular partitions. We conclude that DNA barcoding and sequence analysis revealed a high potential for accurate DNA-based identification of the Austrian Geometridae species. Additionally, the study provides an updated checklist of the geometrid moths of Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Schattanek-Wiesmair
- Tiroler Landesmuseen Betriebsges.m.b.H., Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Huemer
- Tiroler Landesmuseen Betriebsges.m.b.H., Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Wolfgang Stark
- Ökoplus Umweltforschung und Consulting GmbH, Trübensee, Austria
| | - Axel Hausmann
- Zoologische Staatssammlung München, München, Germany
| | - Stephan Koblmüller
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Kristina M. Sefc
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz, Graz, Austria
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Weigand A, Zaenker S, Weber D, Schaper S, Bröker M, Zaenker C, Chitimia-Dobler L. Tick findings from subterranean environments in the Central German Uplands and Luxembourg reveal a predominance of male Ixodes hexagonus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:461-473. [PMID: 37115465 PMCID: PMC10167134 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00795-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Questing ticks are usually collected by flagging or dragging. Mostly exophilic tick species are caught, such as Ixodes ricinus, the most common tick in Central Europe. In the present study, ticks collected from underground environments in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and in the Central German Uplands (Federal States of Hesse, Bavaria, Thuringia, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Northrhine-Westphalia) were investigated. Six tick species were revealed among the 396 analyzed specimens: Ixodes ariadnae, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, I. ricinus, Ixodes trianguliceps, and Dermacentor marginatus. Adults and immatures of I. hexagonus dominated the findings (57% of all specimens), especially in shelters acting as potential resting places of main hosts. Ixodes canisuga and I. trianguliceps were for the first time recorded in Luxembourg, and one nymph of the bat tick I. ariadnae represents only the second report for Germany. Collecting ticks in subterranean environments turned out to be a useful approach to increase knowledge about the occurrence of relatively rare tick species, including those that spend most of their lifetime on their hosts, but detach in such environmental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Weigand
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, 25 Rue Münster, 2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
- Fondation Faune-Flore, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 Rue Münster, 2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | - Stefan Zaenker
- Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research, Königswarter Str. 2a, 36039, Fulda, Germany
| | - Dieter Weber
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, 25 Rue Münster, 2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune-Flore, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 Rue Münster, 2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Sabine Schaper
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christian Zaenker
- Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research, Königswarter Str. 2a, 36039, Fulda, Germany
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Sauer FG, Timmermann E, Lange U, Lühken R, Kiel E. Effects of Hibernation Site, Temperature, and Humidity on the Abundance and Survival of Overwintering Culex pipiens pipiens and Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:2013-2021. [PMID: 36130183 PMCID: PMC9667720 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the hibernation site preferences and the factors which influence winter survival in these hibernation sites may enhance understanding of mosquito population dynamics after winter and how arboviruses persist in temperate regions. Our study quantified the number of adult overwintering mosquitoes in cellars and aboveground constructions and analyzed survival rates in relation to the environmental conditions in these sites. During the winters 2016/2017 and 2018/2019, 149 different constructions in Northwest Germany were sampled for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were detected in 44% of the cellars and in 33% of the aboveground constructions. Culex p. pipiens Linnaeus was the most abundant species in cellars, whereas high numbers of Anopheles messeae Falleroni were collected from a single barn. Subsequently, an enclosure study was conducted during 2019/2020. Overwintering field-collected Cx. p. pipiens and An. messeae were divided into groups with or without fructose availability, and placed in cages with different man-made hibernations sites, where temperature and relative humidity were recorded hourly. For both species, increasing mean temperatures (5-16°C) but not mean relative humidity (58-94%) were correlated with winter mortality rates of the mosquitoes. The lipid measurements were greater and mortality rates were lower when both species were provided fructose. Larger specimens (determined by wing length) stored more lipids, and in Cx. p pipiens, but not in An. messeae, survival probability of large specimens was significantly greater than for small females. Mosquitoes showed a distinct pattern in the selection of overwintering sites, while temperature was an important driver for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E Timmermann
- Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - U Lange
- Arbovirus Ecology, Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - R Lühken
- Arbovirus Ecology, Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Kiel
- Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
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Zittra C, Vitecek S, Teixeira J, Weber D, Schindelegger B, Schaffner F, Weigand AM. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Dark-Highlighting the Importance of Genetically Identifying Mosquito Populations in Subterranean Environments of Central Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091090. [PMID: 34578123 PMCID: PMC8467396 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The common house mosquito, Culex pipiens s. l. is part of the morphologically hardly or non-distinguishable Culex pipiens complex. Upcoming molecular methods allowed us to identify members of mosquito populations that are characterized by differences in behavior, physiology, host and habitat preferences and thereof resulting in varying pathogen load and vector potential to deal with. In the last years, urban and surrounding periurban areas were of special interest due to the higher transmission risk of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Recently, surveys of underground habitats were performed to fully evaluate the spatial distribution of rare members of the Cx. pipiens complex in Europe. Subterranean environments and their contribution to mosquito-borne pathogen transmission are virtually unknown. Herein, we review the underground community structures of this species complex in Europe, add new data to Germany and provide the first reports of the Cx. pipiens complex and usually rarely found mosquito taxa in underground areas of Luxembourg. Furthermore, we report the first finding of Culiseta glaphyroptera in Luxembourg. Our results highlight the need for molecular specimen identifications to correctly and most comprehensively characterize subterranean mosquito community structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Zittra
- Unit Limnology, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Simon Vitecek
- WasserCluster Lunz—Biologische Station, 3293 Lunz am See, Austria; (S.V.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joana Teixeira
- Zoology Department, Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle de Luxembourg (MNHNL), 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; (J.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Dieter Weber
- Zoology Department, Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle de Luxembourg (MNHNL), 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; (J.T.); (D.W.)
| | | | | | - Alexander M. Weigand
- Zoology Department, Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle de Luxembourg (MNHNL), 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; (J.T.); (D.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +352-462-240-212
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Mohammed B, Yayo A, Ajanusi O, Lawal I. Relative abundance and molecular identification of Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae), in Kura Local Government Area, North-western Nigeria. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2021; 14:e00213. [PMID: 34027142 PMCID: PMC8131315 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Culex species are the most widespread mosquito species across the world and are known to be highly opportunistic, feeding on humans and livestock. They are known to acquire the potential to transmit zoonotic diseases, including Rift Valley Fever (RVF). However, despite their public health significance, they remain understudied in North-western Nigeria, compared to Anophelines. This study was therefore aimed at determining the relative abundance and Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (Multiplex PCR) identification of members of the Culex pipiens complex, in Kura Local Government Area (LGA), North-western, Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were collected using Center for Disease Control (CDC) miniature light traps from August to October 2019. Mosquitoes were identified using morphological identification keys. Members of the Culex pipiens complex were further identified using Multiplex PCR to assess the presence of sibling species. A total of 413 mosquitoes, belonging to 3 genera, Culex, Anopheles and Aedes were collected. Of this figure, 120 Culex spp. females were collected. Homes with livestock had the highest occurrence of mosquitoes, 123 (61.19%) compared to those without livestock, 78 (38.81%). There was no statistical difference among the two (2) categories of homes (P ≥ 0.005). Culicoides spp. were the most common with 130 collected (65.38%). Again, homes with livestock had the highest occurrence, 85 whilst homes without livestock had 45 of the other flies caught. Multiplex- PCR revealed no expected bands for Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. pipiens from the DNA obtained from field collected mosquitoes as confirmed by using genomic DNA of an insectary Culex quinquefasciatus as control. Cx. spp. is presently regarded as a biting nuisance having no significant epidemiological importance. Efforts at its control should be intensified before it is too late. This study provides useful information on the occurrence and multiplex PCR of Culex spp in Kura Local Government Area, North-western Nigeria. These results have implications for the control of Culex spp. mosquito populations and the spread of human, livestock and avian diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- B.R. Mohammed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, P.M.B. 117, Abuja, Nigeria (Formerly of Abertay University, DD1 1HG, Dundee, UK)
- College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN), (Zaria Study Center), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - A.M. Yayo
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Bayero University, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - O.J. Ajanusi
- College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN), (Zaria Study Center), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - I.A. Lawal
- College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN), (Zaria Study Center), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Bušić N, Kučinić M, Merdić E, Bruvo-Mađarić B. Diversity of mosquito fauna (Diptera, Culicidae) in higher-altitude regions of Croatia. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2021; 46:65-75. [PMID: 35229583 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-46.1.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change and the accompanying rise in temperature could affect the biology and ecology of a number of vectors, including mosquitoes. High altitude areas that were previously unsuitable for the spread of mosquito vector populations could become suitable. The aim of this research was to study the distribution of mosquito species in higher altitude regions of Croatia. Samples were collected in three areas: Slavonian Mountains, Gorski Kotar, and Middle Velebit. Specimens were morphologically determined and confirmed by DNA barcoding and other genetic markers and showed the presence of 16 species belonging to six genera. The most abundant species were the Culex pipiens complex with 50% of the collected specimens. Both pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758) and molestus (Forskal, 1775) biotypes and their hybrids were identified within the complex, followed by Culex torrentium (Martini, 1925) (20.2%), Culiseta longiareolata (Macquart, 1838) (8.5%), and the invasive species Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901) (7.8% of the total number of collected specimens). The remaining 12 species made up 14.7% of the collected specimens. Intraspecific COI p-distances were within the standard barcoding threshold for OTUs, while interspecific genetic distances were much higher, confirming the existence of barcoding gaps. Mosquito fauna of Croatian mountains showed a moderate variety and made 30.8% of the total number of recorded mosquito species in Croatia thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Bušić
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of Biology, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mladen Kučinić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Enrih Merdić
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of Biology, Osijek, Croatia
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Dörge DD, Cunze S, Schleifenbaum H, Zaenker S, Klimpel S. An investigation of hibernating members from the Culex pipiens complex (Diptera, Culicidae) in subterranean habitats of central Germany. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10276. [PMID: 32581278 PMCID: PMC7314823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67422-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Culex pipiens complex encompasses five species and subspecies of the genus Culex. Over time, a multitude of morphologically indistinguishable species has been assigned to this complex with several species being classified as important vectors for different diseases. Some species of this complex hibernate in subterranean habitats, and it has been proven that viruses can survive this phase of hibernation. However, studies focusing on the environmental requirements, ecology and spatial and temporal distribution patterns of mosquitos in underground habitats are sparse. Here, we investigate the main environmental factors and dependencies of Culex, considering the number of individuals and survival probabilities in underground habitats during the winter months. Methods. Since the State of Hesse, Germany harbors about 3500 to 4000 subterranean shelters ample availability of subterranean habitats there provides a good opportunity to conduct detailed investigations of the Culex pipiens complex. In this study, we identified a sample of 727 specimens of overwintering females within the Culex pipiens complex from 52 different underground sites collected over a period of 23 years using qPCR. A complete data set of samplings of hibernating mosquitos from 698 subterranean habitats in Central Germany over the same period was available to study the spatial and temporal patterns and the effect of temperature and precipitation conditions on these hibernating populations using a generalized linear model (GLM). Results. Our qPCR-results show, similar to aboveground studies of mosquitos, that Culex pipiens pipiens and Culex torrentium occur sympatrically. On the other hand, Culex pipiens molestus occurred very rarely. The GLM revealed no shifts in species composition over time, but different preferences for subterranean hibernacula, chemical effects on overwintering populations as well as effects of annual and seasonal mean temperature and precipitation during the active phase from March to November. Cx. p. pipiens and Cx. torrentium are the most common species within Hessian caves and other underground habitats during winter. They co-occur with different frequency without any patterns in species composition. Weather conditions influence the number of overwintering mosquitos during the activity phase. Depending on cave parameters, the number of mosquitos decreases during the winter months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian D Dörge
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60439, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| | - Sarah Cunze
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60439, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Henrik Schleifenbaum
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60439, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Zaenker
- Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research, Königswarter Str. 2a, 36039, Fulda, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60439, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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