Molecular identification of bloodmeals and species composition in Culicoides biting midges

Abstract

Investigations of host preferences in haematophagous insects, including Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), are critical in order to assess transmission routes of vector-borne diseases. In this study, we collected and morphologically identified 164 blood-engorged Culicoides females caught in both light traps and permanent 12-m high suction traps during 20082010 in Sweden. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in the biting midges was performed to verify species classification, discern phylogenetic relationships and uncover possible cryptic species. Bloodmeal analysis using universal vertebrate cytochrome b primers revealed a clear distinction in host selection between mammalophilic and ornithophilic Culicoides species. Host sequences found matches in horse (n = 59), sheep (n = 39), cattle (n = 26), Eurasian elk (n = 1) and 10 different bird species (n = 18). We identified 15 Culicoides species previously recorded in Scandinavia and four additional species haplotypes that were distinctly different from the described species. All ornithophilic individuals (n = 23) were caught exclusively in the suction traps, as were, interestingly, almost all mammalophilic species (n = 41), indicating that many biting midge species may be able to cover long distances after completing a bloodmeal. These results add new information on the composition of Culicoides species and their host preferences and their potential long-distance dispersal while blood-engorged.

Keywords

Culicoides; bloodmeal; bluetongue; host preferences; trapping methods

Published in

Medical and Veterinary Entomology
2013, volume: 27, number: 1, pages: 104-112

SLU Authors

• Sigvald, Roland

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Ignell, Rickard

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Zoology
Evolutionary Biology
Behavioral Sciences Biology

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2915.2012.01038.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/52037