An updated checklist of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) of Ecuador: new records and public health significance

TL;DR

This study updates Ecuador's mosquito species list, identifying 266 species and 17 new records, using both traditional and DNA-based methods to support public health and biodiversity efforts.

Contribution

The study provides a revised and expanded checklist of Ecuadorian mosquitoes with new national records and molecular validation of 33 species.

Findings

A total of 266 mosquito species across 22 genera were documented in Ecuador.

Seventeen species are newly recorded for the country, and 33 species were validated using molecular analysis.

Ecuador's mosquito diversity represents 7% of the world's total, emphasizing its global significance.

Abstract

Mosquitoes are major vectors of human and animal diseases, making their accurate identification essential for vector surveillance and control. However, morphological identification has often been challenging, requiring taxonomic expertise and well-preserved specimens. Molecular markers, particularly DNA barcoding, offer an effective alternative for identifying both adult and immature stages. Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, a diversity that is also evident in its Culicidae fauna. This study provides a comprehensive revision of Ecuadorian mosquitoes, updating the national checklist and emphasizing species of public health importance. For species identification, an integrative approach was used combining morphology and DNA barcoding (COI and ITS2 regions). We list 266 species in 22 genera, of which 17 species are new national records, and 33 species are validated through molecular analysis. The updated checklist highlights Ecuador’s Culicidae diversity across its biogeographic regions, which represent 7% of the world’s mosquito diversity. These findings provide a critical foundation for future entomological research and vector control in the country.

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