Diversity and seasonal abundance of Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) in Shizong County, Yunnan Province, China

Abstract

Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) are small biting midges, some of which are vectors for animal associated arboviruses such as bluetongue virus (BTV) and Akabane virus (AKAV). BTV and AKAV are both pathogenic for livestock, with BTV in particular posing a major threat to domestic ruminants. Ongoing problems with BTV in ruminants in Shizong County of Yunnan Province, China, promoted a year-long investigation of the Culicoides in Shizong to determine relative abundance and seasonality of midges and to attempt to identify species that might be acting as vectors in the area. Culicoides were collected by UV light trap for one night per week for most weeks between May 2020 and May 2021. More than 21,000 specimens consisting of at least 21 species belonging to six subgenera and one unplaced group, including 5 species previously associated with BTV and one associated with AKAV, were collected. Culicoides tainanus dominated most collections throughout the year although C. sumatrae was often the dominant species over summer. Most species were abundant between May and October. These results indicate that C. tainanus, C. jacobsoni and C. oxystoma are the major midge pests of livestock in Shizong and should be considered in any disease investigation.

Ultrastructural and Morphological Observations of the External and Internal Structures of the Adult Midge <em>Culicoides grisescens</em> Edwards (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

“…Culicoides are small biting midges with blood-sucking abilities in the family Ceratopogonidae (Diptera: Culicomorpha). Currently, there are 1347 species in the world and 480 species in China [1,2]. The female adults of many species of biting midges are pests of both people and livestock, causing painful lesions and inducing acute allergic reactions such as common summer eczema in horses [3].…”

In vivo and in vitro characterization of a new Oya virus isolate from Culicoides spp. and its seroprevalence in domestic animals in Yunnan, China

“…The climate in this region is tropical to subtropical in the south with high temperatures, heavy rain, and high humidity. Yunnan Province has a diverse range of Culicoides vectors (at least 36 species) [ 6 ], which facilitates the spread of arboviruses [ 7 ]. Previous studies reported the detection or isolation of several arboviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV) [ 8 ], Tibet orbivirus (TIBOV) [ 9 ], and Banna virus (BAV) [ 10 ] from Culicoides in Yunnan Province.…”