An integrative taxonomic approach reveals two putatively novel species of phlebotomine sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Thailand.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The subfamily Phlebotominae comprises 1028 species of sand fly, of which only 90 are recognized as vectors of pathogenic agents such as Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Bartonella. In Thailand, leishmaniasis-a sand fly-borne disease-is currently endemic, with 36 documented sand fly species. However, many cryptic species likely remain unidentified. To improve our understanding of the distribution, habitat preferences, and role in disease transmission of these sand flies, further research is necessary.

Methods

Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps from 13 locations across four provinces in Thailand between October 2022 and October 2023. Initially, species identification was based on morphological characteristics, employing identification keys, and subsequently

SUBMITTER: Soomro S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11702185 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature