NEW PARISH RECORDS FOR CULICOIDES INSIGNIS (DIPTERA: CERATOPOGONIDAE) IN LOUISIANA, USA

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Arthropod-borne Disease Ecology

Background:

• Culicoides insignis is a significant vector for bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), impacting ruminant health.
• This species, native to the Neotropics, has shown signs of range expansion in the southeastern United States, moving beyond its primary Florida distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document new occurrences of Culicoides insignis in Louisiana.
• To provide evidence supporting the northwestern range expansion of C. insignis in the southeastern USA.
• To highlight the need for further research into the role of C. insignis in BTV/EHDV transmission within Louisiana.

Main Methods:

• Utilized light traps for insect collection.
• Conducted collections over multiple seasons from 2022 to 2023.
• Identified Culicoides insignis specimens to confirm species presence and location.

Main Results:

• Multiple collections of C. insignis were made in East Feliciana parish, southeastern Louisiana.
• These findings establish new parish-level records for C. insignis in Louisiana.
• The data confirm the continued northwestern range expansion of C. insignis within the southeastern USA.

Conclusions:

• Culicoides insignis is likely established in Louisiana, extending its known distribution.
• The species' presence in southeastern Louisiana confirms its ongoing northwestern range expansion.
• Future research should investigate the potential role of C. insignis in transmitting BTV and EHDV in Louisiana.