Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 87-99 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 87 Review Article Open Access Mosquito Species Identification and Phylogenetics: A Global Perspective Jun Li , Hui Lu Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: jun.li@cuixi.org Journal of Mosquito Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0010 Received: 21 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 01 Apr., 2024 Published: 21 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li and Lu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li J., and Lu H., 2024, Mosquito species identification and phylogenetics: a global perspective, Journal of Mosquito Research, 14(2): 87-99 (doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0010) Abstract Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases, making their accurate identification and understanding of their phylogenetic relationships crucial for public health. This study synthesizes global research on mosquito species identification and phylogenetics, highlighting various methodologies and findings. Studies have utilized mitochondrial genomes, ribosomal RNA sequences, and wing geometric morphometrics to elucidate the evolutionary history and diversification of mosquito species. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed significant insights into the monophyly of subfamilies and tribes, the impact of geographic isolation, and the role of insect-specific viruses in modulating arbovirus transmission. This study underscores the importance of integrating morphological, molecular, and genetic approaches to enhance mosquito surveillance and control strategies. Keywords Mosquito identification; Phylogenetics; Mitochondrial genomes; Ribosomal RNA; Wing morphometrics 1 Introduction Mosquitoes are vectors for numerous pathogens that cause significant human diseases, including malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The accurate identification of mosquito species is crucial for understanding and controlling the spread of these diseases. Different mosquito species have varying capacities to transmit specific pathogens, making species identification essential for targeted vector control strategies. For instance, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are primary vectors for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, while Culex species are significant vectors for West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis (Weaver et al., 2018; Guarner and Hale, 2019; Jones et al., 2019; Kain et al., 2022b). The global distribution of these vectors and their associated diseases is influenced by factors such as climate change, urbanization, and increased human travel, which have led to the emergence and re-emergence of mosquito-borne diseases in new regions (Colmant et al., 2018; Rückert and Ebel, 2018; Brugueras et al., 2020). Phylogenetic studies provide insights into the evolutionary relationships among mosquito species and their associated pathogens. These studies are essential for understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of mosquitoes, which can inform vector control strategies and predict potential disease outbreaks. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed the complex interactions between mosquitoes and the viruses they transmit, highlighting the role of specific mosquito-virus interactions in the emergence of global pathogens (Rückert and Ebel, 2018; Parry et al., 2021; Coşgun et al., 2023). For example, the recently identified Bamaga virus, transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, has been shown to interfere with the replication of West Nile virus, demonstrating the importance of understanding these interactions at a molecular level (Colmant et al., 2018). Additionally, the virome diversity within mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, has been explored through meta-analyses, uncovering novel viruses and providing a resource for further studies on mosquito-virus interactions (Parry et al., 2021). This study summarizes current methods and technologies utilized for identifying mosquito species, emphasizes the importance of accurate identification in disease control and prevention efforts, reviews phylogenetic studies that shed light on mosquito-virus interactions and disease transmission dynamics, and pinpoint existing research gaps while proposing future research directions. By synthesizing existing literature, this study endeavors to advance the knowledge of mosquito species identification and phylogenetics, ultimately enhancing the development of more effective vector control strategies and bolstering efforts to mitigate mosquito-borne diseases.
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