Culex (Culex) acharistus, Root, 1927 (Diptera: Culicidae), a new record for Bolivia

Abstract

This study reports the first confirmed records of Culex (Culex) acharistus, Root, 1927 in Bolivia, based on both morphological examination and biomolecular identification using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) marker. Specimens were collected in four localities representing diverse environmental settings: La Paz (urban environment, {asymp}3600 m), the nearby high-altitude city of El Alto ({asymp}4000 m), Cochabamba (semi-rural and urban habitats, {asymp}2600 m), and Licoma a large village in the Yungas region (subtropical environment, {asymp}1900 m). The larval habitats where the species was found closely match those reported in neighboring countries where Cx. acharistus also occurs, ranging from typical small peridomestic sites to ponds, ditches, and river seepages in semi-rural areas. All identification methods yielded unambiguous results, confirming the species presence in Bolivia and extending its known distribution in South America. This finding highlights the importance of integrating morphological and molecular approaches to achieve accurate and reliable mosquito species identification.