Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 87-99 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 93 clock methods were used to estimate divergence times, providing robust phylogenetic analyses (Lorenz et al., 2021). In KSA, mosquito larvae were collected from various regions and identified morphologically using pictorial keys. Molecular characterization was performed using single and multi-locus analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region and cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) (Munawar et al., 2020). In the Colombian rainforest study, manual capture methods were used to collect mosquitoes, which were then identified via classical taxonomy. The COI marker was used for species confirmation, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using the neighbor-joining method with the Kimura-2-Parameters model (Figure 3) (Muñoz-Gamba et al., 2021). These methodologies ensure accurate species identification and provide insights into the genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships of mosquito species. 6.3 Key findings and implications The key findings from these studies highlight the complexity and diversity of mosquito species and their evolutionary relationships. The Neotropical study revealed that the two mosquito subfamilies, Anophelinae and Culicinae, diverged in the early Jurassic, with most major lineages arising after the Cretaceous. This diversification is linked to the emergence of angiosperms and the expansion of mammals and birds, suggesting that geographic isolation due to continental drift played a role in the worldwide distribution of Culicidae (Lorenz et al., 2021). In KSA, the phylogenetic analysis showed that An. stephensi is a monophyletic species with different ecotypes found in various geographic regions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive phylogenetics and population genetics studies to understand their role in malarial transmission (Munawar et al., 2020). The Colombian rainforest study identified several mosquito species and demonstrated the utility of combining classical and molecular taxonomy for accurate species identification, especially when morphological characteristics are not well preserved (Muñoz-Gamba et al., 2021). These findings have significant implications for public health and vector control strategies. Understanding the phylogenetic relationships and genetic variability of mosquito species can inform the development of targeted control measures and improve the accuracy of species identification, which is essential for effective vector surveillance and disease prevention programs. 7 Implications for Public Health and Disease Control 7.1 Role of accurate species identification in vector control Accurate identification of mosquito species is crucial for effective vector control and disease prevention. Misidentification can lead to ineffective control measures and wasted resources. For instance, the study in Spain highlighted the importance of integrating morphological and genetic analyses to accurately identify mosquito species, which is the first step in establishing a robust vector surveillance program (Ruíz-Arrondo et al., 2020). Similarly, DNA barcoding has proven to be an effective molecular approach for identifying mosquito species in Thailand, ensuring precise targeting of vector control efforts (Chaiphongpachara et al., 2022). The use of geometric morphometrics of mosquito wings also provides a reliable method for species identification, even when specimens are damaged, which is often the case in field collections (Chonephetsarath et al., 2021). 7.2 Phylogenetic insights into vector competence and disease dynamics Phylogenetic studies offer valuable insights into the vector competence of different mosquito species and their role in disease transmission. For example, research on Australian mosquito species has reinforced canonical virus-vector groupings but also revealed significant variations within these groupings, highlighting the complexity of arbovirus transmission dynamics (Kain et al., 2022a; 2022b). Phylogenetic analysis of a novel densovirus isolated from Aedes albopictus demonstrated varied pathogenicity depending on the host species, which could inform the development of targeted biological control agents (Li et al., 2019). Additionally, the study of the virome of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus has expanded our understanding of the diversity and evolution of viruses within these vectors, which can influence their susceptibility to arbovirus infections and impact disease dynamics (Parry et al., 2021).
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