Occurrence of Culex (Microculex) Theobald, 1907 in a polyvinyl chloride trap container indicates an ongoing adaptation process to anthropized environment

Abstract

Microculex mosquitoes are widespread in Central and South America and typically oviposit in phytotelmata breeding sites. However, some species also tend to oviposit in artificial containers. Artificial containers made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC traps) were installed and monitored in Pariquera-Acu and Cananeia, São Paulo State, Brazil for six months (December 2024 to August 2025) to test their efficiencies in collecting mosquitoes. Of the four collected species, three are considered sylvatic species: Toxorhynchites (Megarhina) theobaldi, Culex (Microculex) imitator, and Limatus durhamii. Culex (Microculex) imitator specimens were collected for the first time in an artificial breeding site. This finding indicates that Cx. imitator tend to use artificial containers for reproduction. Continuous monitoring and research on the ecology and epidemiological relevance of Cx. imitator is essential given the limited information on its potential role as an arbovirus vector.