Biology subjects

Bousses, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Bousses, P..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Aedes vittatus in Haiti: continued expansion across the Caribbean and implications for the Americas

BackgroundAedes vittatus, an emerging invasive species and arboviral vector with high ecological plasticity and dispersal capacity, is expanding in the Caribbean, being detected in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica and recently in Yucatan, Mexico. ObjectivesThis study aimed to provide evidence of the establishment of Ae. vittatus in Haiti. MethodsLarval surveys were done across 12 localities around Cap-Haitien, in the North-East department of Haiti, the specimens were identified morphologically and confirmed by COI DNA barcoding. FindingsWe report, for the first time, the detection of the invasive vector Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus in Haiti, confirmed morphologically and molecularly, and being established in half of the municipalities sampled. Phylogenetic analyses group Haitian specimens with Caribbean and American populations, closely related to Mexico, indicating regional expansion. Main conclusionGiven its role as a vector of chikungunya, dengue, Zika and yellow fever, strengthened entomological surveillance and early detection in North America and the Caribbean are urgently needed.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2025

Culex (Culex) acharistus, Root, 1927 (Diptera: Culicidae), a new record for Bolivia

This study reports the first confirmed records of Culex (Culex) acharistus, Root, 1927 in Bolivia, based on both morphological examination and biomolecular identification using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) marker. Specimens were collected in four localities representing diverse environmental settings: La Paz (urban environment, {asymp}3600 m), the nearby high-altitude city of El Alto ({asymp}4000 m), Cochabamba (semi-rural and urban habitats, {asymp}2600 m), and Licoma a large village in the Yungas region (subtropical environment, {asymp}1900 m). The larval habitats where the species was found closely match those reported in neighboring countries where Cx. acharistus also occurs, ranging from typical small peridomestic sites to ponds, ditches, and river seepages in semi-rural areas. All identification methods yielded unambiguous results, confirming the species presence in Bolivia and extending its known distribution in South America. This finding highlights the importance of integrating morphological and molecular approaches to achieve accurate and reliable mosquito species identification.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2025

Delayed identification of long-overlooked Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans in Tahiti Island, French Polynesia

Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans (Meigen, 1830) is a globally distributed mosquito species commonly associated with temporary flooded habitats, including those in the South Pacific region. While its presence has been documented in several Pacific archipelagos, its occurrence on Tahiti island had remained unconfirmed. A retrospective examination of historical mosquito collections held at the Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement (IRD, France) and the Institut Louis Malarde (ILM, Tahiti) revealed evidence of Ae. vexans on Tahiti dating back as early as 1993. This historical detection was corroborated by targeted field surveys conducted between 2023 and 2025, which confirmed the species presence at multiple sites, particularly in the southern part of the island. To support these observations, COI gene sequences from newly collected specimens were analyzed alongside reference Ae. vexans sequences from GenBank. The Tahitian specimens fall unambiguously within the Pacific clade of Ae. vexans and show no genetic divergence that would support their assignment to Ae. nocturnus or Ae. nipponii. Similarly, sequences published under these names in GenBank do not form distinct lineages within Ae. vexans. This study provides the first confirmed record of Ae. vexans on Tahiti, based on both morphological identification and molecular evidence. The findings underscore the need to integrate molecular tools into entomological monitoring to improve species detection and prevent misidentifications in island environments where vector diversity is often underestimated.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2024

Presence of Triatoma breyeri (Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Bolivia

The study focuses on identifying and understanding the ecological dynamics of Triatoma breyeri in Bolivia. Morphological identification and molecular analysis using gene fragments (COI, CytB and 16S) confirms T. breyeris presence and its relation to other species. The species has been consistently found in the Estancia-Mataral - La Palma region since 2010 but has not spread to other regions in Bolivia. The region of occurrence is a small characteristic dry inter-Andean valley. A MaxEnt model suggests part of the Bolivian Montane Dry Forest ecoregion serves as a unique habitat within its range. The infrequent presence in Bolivia and the distance from its main range in Argentina suggest recent accidental introduction, possibly through human transport. Further research is needed to comprehend its persistence in this small area of Bolivia.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2024

First concrete documentation for presence of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in Bolivia: Dispelling previous anecdotes

BackgroundThe presence of Aedes albopictus in Bolivia has been a subject of controversy, lacking concrete documentation until now. ObjectivesThis study aimed to furnish evidence of Ae. albopictus presence in Bolivia. MethodsLarval breeding sites were sampled in two northern Bolivian localities, Rosario del Yata and San Agustin, both situated in the Beni department within the Vaca Diez province and Guayaramerin Municipio, approximately 10 km apart. Mosquito larvae collected underwent rearing to L4 and adult stages for morphological identification, with some specimens sequenced for confirmation. FindingsAe. albopictus was identified in multiple breeding sites in both localities, confirming its establishment in the area. This marks the first concrete documentation of the species in Bolivia. The collections (larvae and adults) have been deposited in the Medical Entomology Laboratory of the Universidad Mayor de San Simon in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and the Laboratory of Entomology of the Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud of the Ministry of Health in La Paz, Bolivia. Main conclusionAcknowledging its role as a vector for arboviruses like dengue and Chikungunya, Ae. albopictus should be incorporated into the Bolivian National Program of Vector Control for monitoring.

ecology↗