New introduction of Aedes vittatus (Diptera: Culicidae) into the East-Central region of Cuba: ecological characterization and medical relevance

Abstract

Aedes vittatus (Diptera: Culicidae) has a wide distribution in the Old World, and it has recently been identified on the American continent. This mosquito has a marked preference for habitats close to human populations, and it is responsible for the transmission of arboviruses of medical importance. In early December 2020, after a routine inspection in a rural locality of Camagüey, Cuba, immature forms of culicids were captured in different types of reservoirs. After the development of the larvae and hatching of the captured pupae, 34 larvae and nine adults belonging to this species were identified, among other species of medical importance. This is the first detection of Ae. vittatus in Cuba outside the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, and the third report in the Americas. It is necessary to deepen our understanding of the bioecology and distribution of this potential invasive species and determine the future impact of the presence of this mosquito in Cuba.