Aedes igniscutum , a new species and member of a new species Group of the subgenus Protomacleaya of Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) from Mexico

Abstract

Abstract Aedes (Protomacleaya) igniscutum Ortega sp. nov. is described from specimens found in Nuevo León and Tamaulipas States in northeastern Mexico. Immature stages of Ae. igniscutum were collected from tree holes of living oaks, while host-seeking adult females were caught during daytime hours using the human landing catch method and at dusk and night hours using Shannon traps containing human volunteers. Evidence from morphology and molecular analysis indicate Ae. igniscutum belongs to a new and separate species Group, with affinities with the Kompi Group. The adults, larva, and pupa of Ae. igniscutum are described and illustrated with drawings and photographs. Geographic distribution maps showing the collection sites of the new species and the species Groups of Protomacleaya are provided. With the addition of Ae. igniscutum, 73 and 84 species, respectively, are recorded in Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas States, and 254 species in Mexico overall.