Description of a New Sand Fly Species from Brazil
Author Information
Author(s): Carvalho Gustavo ML, Reginaldo P, Sanguinette Cristiani C, Andrade Filho José D
Primary Institution: Coleção de Flebotomíneos, Centro de Referência Nacional e Internacional para Flebotomíneos, Instituto René Rachou, FIOCRUZ
Hypothesis
A new species of sand fly from Minas Gerais is described based on both genders collected in a cave.
Conclusion
The new species can be distinguished from others in the cortelezzii complex by specific morphological features.
Supporting Evidence
- The new species is named Evandromyia spelunca, meaning cave in Latin.
- The study adds a new species to the Brazilian phlebotomine sand fly fauna.
- The morphological characters allow for the separation of the new species from others in the cortelezzii complex.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new type of sand fly in a cave in Brazil, and they can tell it apart from similar flies by looking at its body parts.
Methodology
Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps over a two-year period and analyzed morphologically.
Limitations
The study may not cover all sand fly species in Brazil, and identification can be challenging due to morphological similarities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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