Biology subjects

ZEQUI, J. A. C.

Publications and source records attributed to ZEQUI, J. A. C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Oviposition and vertical dispersal of Aedes species Meigen 1818 (Diptera: Culicidae) at different heights and seasonal periods in an urban forest fragment in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

Mosquitoes of the genus Aedes stand out for their high susceptibility to several groups of arboviruses, especially those that cause dengue fever, Zika, and Chikungunya fever. However, aspects related to the vertical distribution of species in large urban centers are still poorly understood, therefore, this study aims to evaluate the dispersal and oviposition of Aedes at different height levels and seasonal periods. The study was developed in a tower with six floors located in an urban forest fragment, measuring 15.13 meters (m) high and 3.20 meters at the base. The following height ranges were considered: ground: 0 m; 1.20 m; 2.50 m; 3.60m; 4.90 m; 6m; 7.30m; 8.40m; 9.70 m; and 10.8 m. Three ovitraps were installed on each floor, separated by a distance of 1.50 m, totaling 30 for each sampling period. The ovitrap positivity index (OPI) and egg density index (EDI) were evaluated in order to monitor Aedes populations in different height ranges and also in different seasonal periods. The data demonstrated that lower heights show a greater abundance of Aedes eggs, however, this variable did not prove to be a limiting factor for mosquito colonization at the other heights evaluated. Furthermore, climatic factors, such as relative humidity have a positive influence (p<0.05) on the average number of eggs in the urban area of Manaus, especially during the dry period. These findings demonstrate that the vertical growth of urban centers can act positively tin increasing the density of Aedes and can influence the incidence of dengue and other arboviruses.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2023

Synanthropic Culicidae (Diptera) in three fragments of Atlantic Forest in northern Parana, Brazil.

Synanthropic Culicidae were sampled using natural and artificial traps in three forest fragments (Daher Wood, Botanical Garden, and Mata dos Godoy State Park) in Londrina, Parana, Brazil. To collect Culicidae, six traps were distributed in two separate transects of 70 m each, parallel, with a distance between them of 30 m. Three traps were natural (bamboo) and the other three were artificial (tires). In total, we collected 15,048 specimens distributed in eight species. The peri-urban fragments showed the highest richness. Tires were preferred as breeding sites. The seasons of highest and lowest sampling were summer and winter. The Daher Wood and Botanical Garden showed high similarity, and the Godoy Wood, an intact environment, showed the greatest dominance. The mosquitoes demonstrated varying degrees of synanthropy. Correlations were positive between temperature (0.53) and precipitation (0.40) with Culicid abundance. The Principal Component Analysis indicated that tires were most influenced by temperature, relative humidity, and bamboos by Total Dissolved Solids. Four of the collected species showed potential to be vectors of etiological agents. Abiotic factors directly influence the biology of mosquitoes, which is reflected in higher diversity in warmer and rainy periods. Urban and peri-urban areas showed more synanthropic mosquitoes due to their preference for modified sites. Vector species in these areas are of concern because they can modify disease cycles, and for this reason, it is essential to monitor these areas.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2023

Species composition of Culicidae (Diptera) in Bromeliads in rural and urban areas of Londrina, Brazil

Bromeliaceae, has 82 genera and 3,719 species found throughout the Neotropical region, from the southern United States to central Argentina and Chile. These plants are present in environments with different characteristics and have high endemism in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Tank bromeliads stand out for their morphology, which forms permanent water-accumulating compartments called phytotelmata, rich in organic detritus and living organisms. Culicidae use phytotelma as a breeding ground, and some species of Wyeomyia are highly dependent on these tanks. Research on the importance of bromeliads as water reservoirs that may favor the reproduction of mosquitoes that carry pathogens are controversial. Some studies indicate that these plants are potential breeding grounds for Aedes, while others suggest that they are not preferential foci for synanthropic mosquitoes, as is the case for A. aegypti. This work aimed at verifying the presence of Aedes and other Culicidae in native bromeliads in natural habitat and under ornamental cultivation in an urban environment, comparing the incidence of larvae in these possible breeding sites and contrasting with the luminosity and accumulated water volumes. Differences in species composition were observed between rural and urban environments. In the rural environment, four species of Culicidae were collected, the most abundant being Wyeomyia galvaoi -19 specimens, followed by Culex (Microculex) imitator - five specimens, while Aedes aegypti and Toxorhynchites sp 1, were the least abundant, with two individuals each. In the urban environment, five species were found, with greater abundance of Aedes aegypti (461 individuals), followed by Aedes albopictus (45), Toxorhynchites sp. 01 (3), Wyeomyia sp1 (02), and Wyeomyia galvaoi (01) In addition, these phytotelma showed great diversity of other organisms, such as: mites, nematodes, protists, rotifers, ostracods, and insect larvae of the Chironomidae, Syrphidae and Tachinidae families. The study concluded that the incidence of mosquito larvae in native bromeliads is low, and that luminosity and accumulated water volumes can influence the presence of larvae. The authors emphasize that the importance of bromeliads in mosquito reproduction may vary according to several factors.

zoology↗