Using geometric wing morphometrics to distinguish Aedes japonicus japonicus and Aedes koreicus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) and Aedes koreicus (Edwards, 1917) have rapidly spread in Europe over the last decades. Both species are very closely related and occur in sympatry. Females and males are difficult to distinguish. However, the accurate species discrimination is important as both species may differ in their vectorial capacity and spreading behaviour. In this study, we assessed the potential of geometric wing morphometrics as alternative to distinguish the two species.

Methods

A total of 147 Ae. j. japonicus specimens (77 females and 70 males) and 124 Ae. koreicus specimens (67 females and 57 males) were collected in southwest Germany. The left wing of each specimen was removed, mounted and photographed. The coordinates of 18 landmarks on t

SUBMITTER: Sauer FG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10648383 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature