# Anopheles barbirostris in Indonesia: A more complex metapopulation than expected

## TL;DR

This study reveals that Anopheles barbirostris in Indonesia is more genetically diverse than previously known, with nine distinct populations identified.

## Contribution

The study identifies nine distinct populations within the An. barbirostris complex in Indonesia, including new geographic reports for some species.

## Key findings

- Nine distinct populations were identified within the An. barbirostris complex in Indonesia.
- An. wejchoochotei was first reported in North Sulawesi, and a unique population was found in Magelang, Central Java.
- The findings highlight the complex genetic structure of An. barbirostris, important for malaria and filariasis control.

## Abstract

Anopheles barbirostris, a member of the Barbirostris Subgroup in the Anopheles genus, comprises a complex of species in South and Southeast Asia. This An. barbirostris complex includes eight species such as An. barbirostris sensu stricto (s.s.), An. campestris, An. dissidens, An. donaldi, An. saeungae, An. sarpangensis, An. vanderwulpi, and An. wejchoochotei. This study employed molecular markers, including ITS2 and COI genes, to investigate the phylogenetic relationships within An. barbirostris sensu lato (s.l.) populations from various locations in Indonesia. The analysis reveals the presence of nine distinct populations within this complex, including the first report of An. wejchoochotei in North Sulawesi and a unique Barbirostris population in Magelang, Central Java. This makes it a more complex metapopulation than previously thought. These findings provide critical insights into the diversity of malaria and lymphatic filariasis vectors in Indonesia. Understanding the complex structure of the An. barbirostris populations and their genetic diversity will be useful for effective vector control and disease elimination strategies.