# Culicidae Fauna (Diptera: Culicomorpha) of the Municipality of Mazagão, Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon

## TL;DR

This study explores mosquito diversity in the Brazilian Amazon, finding seasonal changes and species linked to disease transmission.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed entomofaunistic survey of Culicidae mosquitoes in a poorly studied region of the Amazon, highlighting public health risks.

## Key findings

- 38 species of mosquitoes were identified across 15 genera in the municipality of Mazagão.
- The intermediary season showed the highest abundance and richness of mosquito species.
- Dominant species included Coquillettidia (Rhy.) venezuelensis and Culex, with implications for arbovirus transmission.

## Abstract

The Amazon biome encompasses the largest hydrographic basin in the world, high humidity, extensive forests, and remarkable biodiversity. However, it has been experiencing deforestation driven by human activity. These changes directly impact the region’s climate, influencing mosquitoes of the Culicidae family, which are vectors of major arthropod-borne diseases, such as Orthoflavivirus dengue, Alphavirus chikungunya, Orthobunyavirus oropoucheense, and Orthoflavivirus zikaense. This study aimed to investigate the fauna of Culicidae in the rural zone of the district of Mazagão Velho, within the municipality of Mazagão, in the state of Amapá, Brazil. Three excursions were carried out between 2023 and 2024. The collection methods used were human attraction and CDC traps, in the ground and using canopy modalities. A total of 3500 specimens were collected across the three seasonal periods: rainy with 1079 specimens, intermediary with 2172, and dry with 249. The genus Culex exhibited the highest abundance, followed by the genus Coquillettidia. The presence of epidemiologically relevant species involved in arbovirus transmission highlights the need for further entomofaunal studies in the state and underscores the potential risk to public health.

The Amazon hosts one of the richest diversities of mosquitoes in the family Culicidae, which are key both as arbovirus vectors and as environmental bioindicators. However, the state of Amapá remains poorly studied regarding its mosquito fauna. This study aimed to characterize the diversity and seasonal composition of Culicidae in the municipality of Mazagão, Eastern Amazon, within a rural landscape influenced by human activity and extreme climatic events. Three sampling campaigns were conducted between 2023 and 2024, covering rainy, intermediary, and dry periods. Mosquitoes were collected using Protected Human Attraction (PHA) and CDC light traps at both ground and canopy strata. A total of 3500 specimens were obtained, representing 38 species across 15 genera. The intermediary period yielded the highest abundance and richness, whereas the dry season presented very low diversity, probably because of severe drought and forest fires. Dominant species included Coquillettidia (Rhy.) venezuelensis, Cq. albicosta, and Mansonia titillans. There were significant differences in community diversity between dry and wetter periods, underscoring the strong role of seasonality in shaping mosquito populations. These findings represent the entomofaunistic survey of the region, contributing to biodiversity knowledge and highlighting potential public health risks, thus reinforcing the need for continuous entomological monitoring.