Discovery of a new inland population of Leptoconops noei in Italy with sequencing of the first complete mitochondrial genome for the genus.

ABSTRACT: The Ceratopogonidae family, comprising over 6000 described species, includes the genus Leptoconops, which has been understudied despite its ecological significance and biting nuisance to humans. Here, we document the presence of inland Leptoconops noei populations for the first time in Italy in an area previously considered environmentally atypical for this species. Our findings expand the known range of L. noei, traditionally confined to coastal areas, and highlight its potential to colonise diverse habitats. Interestingly, despite the thorough morphological and molecular identification of sampled individuals and their clear assignment to the species L. noei, a notable morphological variability was observed in the sensory structures of the maxillary palps, suggesting the possibility of a

SUBMITTER: Naro G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12586292 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature