Taxonomic aspects of species of the genus Wyeomyia (Diptera: Culicidae)

• Grant number: 25/08492-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Entomology and Malacology of Parasites and Vectors
• Principal Investigator: Mauro Toledo Marrelli
• Grantee: Henrique de Freitas Benar
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of the tribe Sabethini are recognized for the involvement of some species of the genus Sabethes in the transmission of the Yellow Fever virus in the wild cycle. However, species belonging to another genus belonging to this tribe, Wyeomyia Theobald, 1901, the largest of this tribe in number of representatives among the Neotropical Culicidae, have been little studied in terms of taxonomy and epidemiological importance. Many of these species are difficult to distinguish morphologically in the adult phase. As in other genera of mosquitoes, the morphological analysis of the structures that make up the male genitalia has been the method used to correctly distinguish morphologically similar or cryptic species.Recently, Wyeomyia (Prosopolepis) confusa was identified carrying ZIKA virus in the Capivari-Monos Environmental Protection Area (EPA), which corroborates the need and importance of knowing its bioecology and possible participation in silent transmission cycles in the places where it occurs. In view of the above, this project aims to carry out a systematic study of morphological characteristics of the male genitalia, which are essential for the design of identification keys. In this project, Wyeomya serratoria and Wyeomyia (Prosopolepsi) confusa will be analyzed for morphological variables found in the male genitalia of adult mosquitoes.