Haemagogus equinus in Kinney County, Texas

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Medical Entomology
• Arthropod-borne Disease Surveillance

Background:

• Mosquito surveillance is crucial for monitoring potential disease vectors.
• Haemagogus equinus is a mosquito species of medical importance.
• Previous records of Haemagogus equinus in Texas are limited, with the last documented collection in 1962.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document mosquito species composition in Kinney County, Texas.
• To report the presence of Haemagogus equinus in a new county and region.
• To update the distribution records for medically significant mosquito species in Texas.

Main Methods:

• Larval mosquito collections were conducted from an oak tree hole.
• Adult mosquitoes were also collected.
• Species identification was performed using standard entomological keys.

Main Results:

• Three mosquito species were identified from the primary collection site: Aedes triseriatus, Aedes zoosophus, and Haemagogus equinus.
• One larva and one adult female Haemagogus equinus were recovered.
• This represents the first documented occurrence of Haemagogus equinus in Kinney County, Texas.
• Additional sampling confirmed the presence of Aedes epactius, Culex nigripalpus, and Psorophora signipennis in Kinney County.

Conclusions:

• The discovery of Haemagogus equinus in Kinney County expands its known distribution in Texas.
• This finding underscores the need for continued entomological surveys to track vector populations.
• Updated distribution data are essential for risk assessment and public health planning related to mosquito-borne diseases.