Florida Medical Entomology Lab
Editorial Team
- Jorge Rey - Chair, Approver
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
Chagas Disease: A Review of Vector-Borne Transmission by Triatomine Bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)
IN1412/ENY2104by Bethany R. Eutsey, Cameron J. Jack, Shelley A. Whitehead, and Eva A. BucknerJuly 12th, 2023Chagas disease is a potentially fatal, chronic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. It causes 6 to 8 million cases and 50,000 deaths each year. Humans and animals usually become infected with T. cruzi via triatomine bugs, also called kissing or conenose bugs, found only in the Americas. Disease transmitted by triatomine bugs generally occurs in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America, but it is becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas like the US as asymptomatic infected people move from rural to urban areas of Latin America and other regions. In the US, approximately 300,000 people are currently infected with Chagas disease, 18,000 in Florida. Most if not all of them were infected elsewhere; local transmission of Chagas disease via triatomines in the US is rare. Awareness and understanding of Chagas disease are critical to detect and treat cases early. This publication is intended for anyone interested in learning more about Chagas disease.Critical Issue: Natural Resources and Environment
Rift Valley Fever Virus: A Zoonotic Vector-Borne Pathogen Affecting Human and Livestock Health
IN1403/ENY-2099by Abdullah A. Alomar, Lindsay P. Campbell, Derrick K. Mathias, and Nathan D. Burkett-CadenaJune 21st, 2023This publication summarizes the available information about the distribution, vectors, vertebrate hosts, transmission cycles, epidemiology, and control of Rift Valley fever virus.Critical Issue: Natural Resources and Environment
A Concise Guide on the Bionomics and Key Morphological Characteristics for Identifying Aedes pertinax (Grabham, 1906) – a Mosquito Species from the Neotropics Expanding in Geographic Range
IN1405/ENY2100by Ana L. Romero-Weaver, Michael T. Riles, Kristin Sloyer, Yoosook Lee, Lindsay P. Campbell, and Bryan V. GiordanoJune 14th, 2023Aedes pertinax is a non-invasive mosquito first described in Jamaica by Grabham in 1906. It is currently classified in the Protoculex Group. It was first identified in the U.S. in 2015; its current distribution is unknown because it is so difficult to differentiate it from other mosquito species that are morphologically similar. It has not been reported in association with humans or animal diseases, but Ae. Atlanticus, another mosquito in the Protoculex Group, is a vector of the Keystone virus and the West Nile virus, which have the potential to cause encephalitis and death. Moreover, Ae. serratus, once classified as synonym of Ae. pertinax, was reported infected with yellow fever in Brazil in 2008. Because Ae. pertinax may be a vector and because it has expanded its geographical range, it should be monitored closely. This publication provides a description of the species so that it can be identified and monitored.Critical Issue: Natural Resources and Environment
Culex coronator (Dyar & Knab) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)
IN1392/EENY-794by Sierra M. Schluep, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Derrick K. Mathias, and Eva A. BucknerMarch 27th, 2023The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems
Northern Frog Biting Mosquito Culex territans (Walker 1856) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)
IN1394/EENY-803by Chanakya R. Bhosale, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick MathiasMarch 27th, 2023The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems
