CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF MOSQUITOES (DPTERA, CULICIDAE) FROM THE ARCHIPELAGOS OF MADE.IRA AND THE SALVAGES. I -MADEIRA

Transcription

1 CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF MOSQUITOES (DPTERA, CULICIDAE) FROM THE ARCHIPELAGOS OF MADE.IRA AND THE SALVAGES. I -MADEIRA RIIJBEN A. CAPELA Laborat6rio de Zooiogia e Antropologia - Faculdade de Cidncias de Lisboa ABSTRACT: In this paper the author presents the results of a mosquito survey of the Madeira Island. Several new localities are added to the distribution of the species collected. Some taxonomic and bioecological notes are given to each species known. Brief considerations are made from a zoogeographical viewpoint. Finally, some references to the epidemiological role of the Madeira mosquitoes are revised. 1 - introduction The first references to the mosquito fauna of Madeira that we have knowledge was that of THEOBALD (1903) in his {(Monograph of the mosquitoes of the World>), were are recorded three species: Culex pipiens, Culex theileri and Culex spathipalpis (= Culiseta longiareolata). BECKER (1908) also records : Cuiex lon.giareolatus (= Culiseta longiareolata) and Culex pipiens. EDWARDS (1915) gives a new contribution to the knowledge of the mosquitoes of Madeira with the description of Ochkrotatus eatoni a new species to the science; this endemic species of Madeira was later recorded from Canary Islands by CLAVIZRO (1946). SCHODDUYN (1927) collected some mosquito larvae (not identified) from Jo50 Games river (Funchal) and Curral dos Romeiros.

2 46 Rtiben A. Capelu CHRISTOPHERS (1929) in his study of the anopheline fauna of Canary and Mad.eira Islands gives decidedly a good contribution to our knowledge of the mosquitoes of Madeira by the addition of Culex hortensis to the known fauna. BRAGA (1931) in his Monograph of Portuguese mosquitoes recorded Theobaldia longiareolata and Culex theileri from Madeira. STORA (1941) collected one male of Culex hortensis from Rabacal. Later STORA integrated on a mission directed by FREY (1949), gives one list of mosquitoes collected: Theobaldia longiareolata, Culex pipiens, Culex theileri and Culex hortensis. MATTINGLY (1955) describes as Culex hortensis maderensis the specimens existing in the British Museum (Natural History), collected by CHRISTOPHERS (op. cit.). SENEVET & ANDARELLI (1959) in their study of the mosquitoes of North Africa and Mediterranean basin records to the mosquito fauna of the Atlantic Islands (Madeira) : Culex (IV.) hortensis, C. hortensis var. maderensis, Culex (C.) pipiens and Culex theileri. Finally, the small list of mosquitoes known from Madeira was completed by the author, CAPELA (1979), with the addition of Culex (C.) molestus. With this work the author pretends to put in order the elements already known and to initiate a more complete study of the mosquito fauna of the Archipelagos of Madeira (Madeira, Porto Santo and Desertas) and of Savages. The results concern the mosquito survey carried out in September 1976 and April 1977, including more than specimens (300 adults mosquitoes and larvae and pupae). The different species and subspecies are recorded for the first time from many new localities. With the addition of CuZex (C.) molestus, the now known list of the Madeira s mosquitoes is assumed to include six species and subspecies. 2 - GAZETTEER OF COLLECTING LOCALITIES The present mosquito survey was carried out in 23 different localities of Madeira. Aproximate coordinates and altitudes are given and those localities with an asterisk were also surveyed by other authores. On Map 1 are shown all the localities, each one with the corresponding number in the list.

3 MAP 1 Localities Latitude Longitude Altitude (N/J (W) Cm) 1 - Camacha 2 - CBmara de Lobos 3 - Canical 4 - Estreito da Calheta 5 - Fajfi da Areia 6 - Funchal * 7 - Machico 8- Monte * 9 - Paul do Mar 10 - Ponta da Cruz 11 - Ponta do Pargo 12 - Porto Moniz 13 - Rabacal * 14 - Ribeira Brava 15 - Ribeira das Faj& 16 - Ribeira de Santa Luzia 17- Ribeiro Frio 18 - Santana * 19 - Santo da Serra 20 - S. Jorge 21 - S. Vicente * 22 - Seixal 23 - Silveira 32O 40, ,S ,0 32O 44, ,5 32O 38,4 32O 43, ,S ,0 32O 37,8 32O 48, ,8 32O 45,s ,O , , , ,S 32O 43, ,5 32O 48,2 32O 49,5 32O 48, , , ~ 44,0 sea coast , , ,0 sea coast ,5 sea coast ,s ,5 sea coast ,5 sea coast , ,O ,O ,5 sea coast ,O , ,O , , , , , O 57, LIST OF SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES On the table 1 are included the known species and subspecies from Madeira. Probably, this list does not include all the species occurring in the Island, and may be increased by new surveys on other areas and in different seasons of the year, as it is desirable.

4 48 Rtiben A. Capela TABLE L LIST OF SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES KNOWN FROM MADEIRA ISLAND NEW RECORDS FOR GENERA SUBGENERA SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES MADEIRA _.-.._ _1 - SPECIES LOCALITIES Aedes Finlaya Aedes eatoni EDWARDS, 1916 Culiseta Allotheobaldia Mail10 tia Culiseta longiareolata (MACQUART, 1838) 17 Culex hortensis maderensis MATTINGLY, Culex Culex Culex pipiens LINNAEUS, 1758 II Culex molestus FORSKAL, I- 1 ~_ - Culex theileri THEOBALD, Totals SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT From the viewpoint, we followed essentially the recent Catalogue by KNIGHT & STONE (1977) and its Supplement (KNIGHT, 1979) and also the excellent works of SENEVET & ANDARELLI(~~~~), CLAVERO (1946) and RIOUX (1958) Aedes (Finlaya) eatoni EDWARDS, 1916 Aedes eatoni was described by EDWARDS from Monte. (op. cit.), based on a male MATERIAL EXAMINED MONTE, 34 QQ 56 $$ 41 larvae and pupae, 15.1x.1976.

5 Mosquitoes from Madeira 49 DISTRIBUTION Aedes eatoni is a species endemic from the Atlantic Islands (Madeira and Canary). Map 2 shows the collecting localites. TAXONOMIC NOTES The males observed and their terminalia were according to the Edward s description. CLAVERO (op. cit.) ans CLAVERO (1947) studies A. eatoni from Canary Islands and describes the larva and pupa. Our specimens from Madeira show some minor differences probably without taxono.mic significance, and related with polimorphic characteristics exibited by the species. The females from Madeira were according to the description of CLAVERO (1946 and 1947) to canarian specimens. The larval characters are also similar. CLAVERO states that head setae A (outer) and C (inner) forms a line near clypeal border; however, the figure is not according with the text. In fig. 1, we confirm and show the position of both setae. The analysis of 45 larvae gives the following results: antenna1 hair with 2 or 3 branches, FIG. 1 - Aedes (F.) eafoni, head. Position of both setae B and C.

6 a 0 cc 0 o*ama

7 Mosquitoes from Madeira 51 mean 2; comb-scales with 46-93, mean 70; number of pecten teeth: 15-21, mean 19; siphonal tuft situated at midle of siphon ( ) with 2-4, mean 3 branches; siphonal index: , mean 1.8. Figs. 2,3 and 4 show some larval details of Aedes eatoni, from Madeira. Thirty three pupae were examined and generally they are according with the specimens from Canary, except in the number of branches on setae A of Segment VIII: 5-13, mean 8 branches, in Madeira specimens. 2 FIG. 2 - Aedes (F.) eatoni, terminal segments of fourth instar larvae. FIG. 3 - Aedes (F.) eatoni, comb-scale. FIG. 4 - A&es (F.) eatoni, pecten-tooth.

8 52 Rtiben A. Capela Figs, 5, 6 and 7 shows some details of the pupa of Aedes eatoni from Madeira. Fig, 5A represents the male terminalia of Aedes eatoni, from Monte. BIOECOLOGICAL NOTES Immature stages of A. eatoni were found in tree holes: laurel and eucalyptus. Adult specimens (males and females) were, caught resting on the walls of tree holes. Some females were fed and gravid. The water of breeding-place was dark-brown with a ph of Culex pipiens was the associated mosquito species found in eucalyptus holes. All breeding- -places were near the human habitations and the author has not seen A. eatoni attempting to bite man nor resting indoor human habitation. The breeding- -places were frequented by a great number of birds (wild and domestic) probably the sources of blood to the alimentation of the females. Figs. 8 and 9 shows the breeding-place of A. eatoni, in Monte Culiseta (Allotheobaldia) longiareolata (MACQUART, 1838) THEOBALD, 1903 publish the occurrence of this species in Madeira (Dr. GRABHAM). MATERIAL EXAMINED FAJ~ DA AREIA, 1 larva, 6.1V.1977; FUNCHAL, 21 QQ 14 $6 9 larvae, 7.IV.1977; MACHICO, 6 Q Q 1 $ 9 larvae, 7.W. 1977; MONTE 8 Q Q 9 $8 2 larvae, 9.IV. 1977; PAPAL DO MAR, 18 Q Q 17 $6 9 larvae, 8.IV. 1977; PONTA Do PARGO, 1 larva, 9.IV. 1977; PORT0 MONIZ, 2 Q Q 1 $ 4 larvae, 9.IV. 1977; RIBEIRA DAS FAJAS, 1 hxvet, 9.Iv.1977; RIBEIRA DE SANTA LUZIA, 2 larvae, 9.Iv.1977; s. JORGE, 3 larvae, 9.IV.1977; S. VICENTE, 1 larva, lo.iv.1977; I SEIXAL, 1 Q 2 6$ 17 larvae, lo.tv. 1977; SILVEIRA, 3 larvae, lo.tv DISTRIBUTION Culiseta longiareolata is a species with a great geographic distribution: Palaearctic Region, Asia, African Continent and Atlantic Islands. In Madeira is the more widely distributed species. Map 2 shows the collecting localities.

9 FIG. 5 - Aedes (F.) eatoni, terminal segments of pupa A. >I * _ FIG. 6 - Aedes (F.) eatoni, hair A of the segment FIG. 7 - Aedes (F.) eatoni, posterior border of VTTT. pupal paddle.

10 FIG. 5A - Male terminalia of Aedes (F.) eatoni, from Monte.

11 FIG. 8 - Breeding-area of Aedes (F.) eatoni. FIG. 9 - Collecting larvae of Aedes (F.) eatoni, in a tree-hole (eucalyptus). FIG. 10, 1 I and 12 - Breeding-places of Culiseta (A.) longiareolata and Culex (C.) theileri, from Madeira. FIG. 17 -Breeding-place of Culex (C.) theileri, from Madeira

12 56 Rtiben A. Capela TAXONOMIC NOTES Our adult specimens present the general characteristics of the species, and are according to the Continental material (RAMOS et alii, 1977/78). The larvae are easily identified. In 46 larvae observed we obtained the following data: saddle always incomplete; subventral tuft distinctly shorter than diameter of siphon at base (0.25); pecten with 6-16 spines, mean 9 widely-spaced beyond tuft, extending to about the apical fourth of siphon. BIOECOLOGICAL NOTES Were recorded 15 breeding-places of C. Zongiareolata in Madeira, 10 of them cement tanks with stored water for domestic and agricultural uses. The water was clean completly exposed to sun and a ph Five of the breeding-places were exposed rock-pools at river margins with aquatic vegetation (filamentous green algae). The water, was turbid with a ph The remainder breeding-places were a salt marsh, with turbid water and ph 5.8. The chloride content of the breeding water, was 0.4 g/l of NaCl. The diversity of the biotopes frequented by this species shows its great adaptability to different ecological conditions. Associated with Culiseta longiareolata were found other mosquitoes in the larval biotopes: Culex pipiens 8 times, C. theileri 8 times and CuZex hortensis maderensis once. In three of the 15 breeding-places no larvae of other species were found. Adults were not caught and the specimens studied were reared in the laboratory. Figs. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the breeding-places of Culiseta longiareolata and C. theileri from Madeira Culex (Maillotia) hortensis maderensis MAT-TINGLY, 1955 CHRISTOPHERS (1929) records C. hortensis from Funchal, Monte, S. Vicente and Santana. MATTINGLY (1955) studies the material collected by CHRISTOPHERS (op. cit.) in Madeira and identified this species as Culex hortensis maderensis, a new subspecies. MATERIAL EXAMINED RIBEIRA DAS FAJWS, 1 $ ex pupa 12 larvae, 6.1V.1977.

13 Mosquitoes from. Madeira 57 DISTRIBUTION Culex (AI.) hortensis maderensis is an endemic subspecies from Madeira. Map 2 shows the collecting localities. TAXONOMIC NOTES The male obtained and his terminalia were according to the description made by MATTINGLY (op. cit.). In 12 larvae and 1 pupa examined the results was quite similar to the elements given by MATTINGLY. However, in our larvae the number of subventral tufts of siphon is greater: 16-17, mean 17 with more 6-8 small tufts dorsaly ; head setae B and C with 2 branches each; comb of abdominal seg. VIII with scales, mean 43 ; siphonal index about , mean 5.6; pecten with 9-15 spines; maximum ratio between lenght of tufts and diameter of siphon at point of atachement , mean 3.4; saddle hair with 2-4 branches, Figs. 13, 14 and 15 complement these data. Fig. 16 show the number and distribution of pupal setae in hortensis maderensis. BIOECOLOGICAL NOTES The larvae were collected in rock-pools on river bed, with floating and submerse vegetation. The solar exposure was poor. The breeding water was limpid with some organic matter (vegetable debris). The ph of the water was The chloride contents of the water was 0.11 g/l Na/CI. Only a few larvae of Culiseta longiareolata were found as associates of Culex hortensis maderensis. According CHRISTOPHERS (op. cit.) C. hortensis maderensis was an extremely common and widely distributed mosquito in Madeira. However in this survey it was only collected from one biotope. This difference is related probably with some ecological changes in the characteristic biotopes of this species Culex (Culex) pipiens LINNAEUS, 1758 In his Monograph THEOBALD (1903) records CuZex pipiens from Funchal and Quinta Val. MATERIAL EXAMINED SEIXAL, 1 $ 10 larvae, 15.1X.1976; s. JORGE, 4 larvae, 15.1X.1976.

14 FIG. 13 -Terminal segments of fourth instar Jaxva of Culex (Ad.) hortensis maderensis. 14 FIG Culex (M.) hortensis maderensis, comb-scale. FIG Pecten-tooth of Czrlex (Ad.) hortensis maderensis.

15 16 FIG. 16 -Distribution of pupal setae in Cdex (M.) hortensis maderensis.

16 60 Rzihen A. Capela DISTRIBUTION According to SENEVET & ANDARELLI (op. cit.) and RAMOS et. dii, (1977/78), C. pipiens is a Palaearctic species also found in certain areas of the Ethiopian Region (South African Subregion), in northern North America and in southern South America. Map 2 shows the collecting localities of this species. TAXONOMIC NOTES The male and its terminalia are quite typical. By the analysis of 10 larvae were found the following results: total lenght of antenna times the lenght of it apical portion (beyond tuft); total number of the branches of the more basal tufts of siphon 8-12, mean 10; pecten of siphon with 9-13 spines, mean 11. BIOECOLOGICAL NOTES Cdex pipiens was collected in two different biotopes: a) - a cement tank with clean water for domestic and agricultural uses. The ph of water was 6.0. In this breeding-place were also found in association with C. pipiens, larvae of C. theileri and Culiseta longiareolata. b) - rock pools, in river margins. The water was limpid, with filamentous green algae. The ph was 5.8. C. theileri and Culiseta longiareozata were the associated species in this biotope Culex (Culex) molestus FORSKAL, 1775 Recently recorded from Madeira-Funchal, by the author (CAPELA, 1979). MATERIAL EXAMINED The specimens o bserved, 6 QQ 4 $3 50 larvae were reared in laboratory. All of them were obtained in conditions of autogeny. DISTRIBUTION: ~uk?x w molestus, seems to be a widely distributed species in Madeira.

17 Mosquitoes from Madeira 61 TAXONOMIC NOTES With the analysis of 50 larvae derived from an egg-raft laid by one autogenous female, were obtained the following results : total lenght of antenna , mean 3.7 times the lenght of it apical portion (beyond the tuft); total number of branches of the more basal tufts of the siphon, mean 13; pecten with lo-19 teeths, mean 13; siphonal index, , mean 3.7. BIOECOLOGICAL NOTES The larvae were collected in a cement tank with floating and immerse vegetation. The water was turbid and with some organic matter (with decaying vegetable debris). The ph m.easured was 5.4. Culex molestus is an autogenous, stenogamous, homodynamic and anthropophilic species (sometimes ornithophilic), in opposition to Culex pipiens that is an anautogenous, eurigamous and anthropophilic species. In our material the first two properties were confirm.ed to Ctrlex molestus, reared in laboratory. It was not possible to make experiences with the material collected in seven different localities; however, and based only on the chaetotaxie of the larvae, from these biotopes, we sugges the great probability that they are Culex molestus. In our opinion C. molestus is a very widely distributed species in Madeira, but it must be put into evidence by mean of physiological, ethological and ecological characteres, Culex (Culex) theileri THEOBALD, 1903 The first bibliographic references concerning this species at our disposal was in THEOBALD (1903), who records C. theileri from Madeira (Dr. GRABHAM). MATERIAL EXAMINED CAMACHA, 28 larvae, IX. 1976; CAMARA DE LOBOS, 2 larvae, IV ; CANIGAL,~ larvae,ix.1976; ESTREITODA CALHETA, 1 Q 1 $ 4larvae,IV.1977; FUNCHAL, 3 larvae, IV.1977; MACHICO, 4 8 Q 7 $8 11 larvae, IV.1977; MONTE, 7 Q Q 9 $6 1 larva, IV. 1977; PAPAL DO MAR, 15 Q Q 12 $8 5 larvae, IV.1977; S. JORGE, 1 Q, 1v.1977.

18 62 Rtiben A. Capela DISTRIBUTION According (KNIGHT et al., 1977), C. theileri is a species with a wide geographic distribution : southern and eastern Ethiopian Region, Southern Palaearctic and northern Oriental Regions. Map 2 show the distribution of this species in Madeira. In our survey, we found that C. theileri, was the second species with more number of biotopes in the Madeira Tsland. TAXONOMIC NOTES Analysis of the material observed: females, males and their genitalia didn t show differences of taxonomic significance, comparatively with the material studied by SENEVET (op. cit.). The observations in 114 larvae show the polimorphism of this species: frontal hairs A: 5-11 branches, mean 9; B: 2-5 mean 2; C: 2-5, mean 4; d : 1-3, mean 1; e : 3-6, mean 4; f: 5-10, mean 6; VIII segment presents about 35 comb-spines disposed in 4 or 5 ranges; siphonal index 3,0 to 5.0, mean 3.5; mean of subventral tufts of siphon: 10 with 2-14 branches; saddle hair with 2-4 branches. In 13.5 % of the larvae examined the siphon was distinctly more sclerotized on the basal half, the same occurring on apical half of antenna. RIOECOLOGICAL NOTES Larvae of Culex (C.) theiferi were collected in 11 breeding-places, 9 of them cement tanks with stored water for domestic and agricultural uses, 1 pool in river bed with filamentous green algae and a salt marsh. them cement tanks with stored water for domestic and agriclltural uses, 1 pool in river bed with filamentous green algae and a salt marsh. The water of the cement tanks was turbid with some organic matter and a ph The water of the river was limpid and clean, with aquatic vegetation (filamentous green algae). The breeding place in soil (salt marsh) was rich in organic matter (debris of animals in decomposition). The ph of the water was 5.8 and the chloride content was 2.3 g/l NaCl. C. theileri was non-associated in 3 of the breeding-places. In the remainder 8 breeding-places, larvae of two mosquito species were found in association: C. pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata, 8 times each.

19 Mosquitoes from Madeira 63 Figs. 11, 12 and 17 shows some of the breeding-places of C. theileri and Culiseta longiareolata in Madeira. At S. Jorge, we caught by morning (11-12 h a.m.) one female not engorged, resting inside a stable. 5 - ZOOGEOGRAPHY The data concerning to zoogeography of mosquitoes of Madeira, were elaboreted basicaly according CHRISTOPHERS (1929), FREY (1949) and also RAMOS et. alii (1977/78). Fide CHRISTOPHERS (op. cit.), the Canary and Madeira Islands are both volcanic. GAGEL (1913, in CHRISTOPHERS) states that the Cape Verde and Canary Islands show relict of old Continental rocks and on geological and fauna1 grounds are to be regarded as outlying parts of the European-A.frican Continents, recently separeted, on geological scale. The mosquito fauna known from this area (Canary Islands) suggest an old connection with the Continent, particularly in relation with species of the genus Anopheles, e.g. Anopheles hispaniola. However, in Madeira never were found larvae or adults of this genus, in all surveys carried out. Aedes eatoni is a species that seems to be confined to the Atlantic Islands (Madeira and Canary). In a recent survey of Azores (S. Miguel, Faial, Pica, Graciosa, Flores e Corvo) we didn t find this species. Culiseta Zongiareolata is the most widespread species in Madeira and is mainly a coastal species in the Ethiopian Region, being a quite uncommon mosquito on the Atlantic coast. Culex hortensis maderensis is an endemic subspecies of Madeira. We collected this subspecies only in one biotope at 800 m of altitude. Culex pi&ens is a species predominantly Palaearctic, also found in. the East-South African Subregion (of the Ethiopian Region). Culex molestus seems to have a similar distribution as C. pipiens, being frequently sympatric with this species. CuZex theizeri is distributed in many areas of the Ethiopian and Oriental Regions and also in Mediterranean Subregion. It is a common and widely spread mosquito, in Madeira. Finally, we can concluded that culicid fauna of Madeira has two principal components : a) - Ethiopian, with the species C. theileri and Culiseta longiareolata, and b) - Palaearctic, with C. pipiens and C. molestus, besides the endemics C. hortensis maderensis and Aedes eatoni. Except for the presence of A. eatoni

20 64 Rtiben A. Capela and C. hortensis maderensis it is probable that the culicid fauna of Madeira have been recently introduced by man, from the Continent (Portugal, Spain, North Africa) and even from. Canary Islands. 6- RELATION TO DISEASE A. eatoni is a common species in Madeira, its im.mature stages living strictly on tree holes (laurel, eucalyptus and Til (Ocothea foetens). Females of this species were not caught biting man outside, in spite of our voluntary exposure. Indoor of habitations near breeding-places we never caught adults mosquitoes. It is quite probable that this species feeds on birds (domestic or not) abundant in the Island. So, Aedes eatoni seems to be of minor or none importance in the transmission of diseases to man. Culiseta Zongiareolata, the most common species in Madeira, feeds on birds and it is not involved in human disease transmission. About C. hortensis maderensis, we dont dispose of data concerning its biology and ecology; however, adult specimens were not caught in the human or animal habitations surveyd. In the outside and near breeding- -places we did collecte females biting man or other mam.mals. It is reasonable to admit that C. hortensis maderensis feeds on amphibians as it is the case with C. hortensis in Europe, not being able to transmit diseases to man. Culex pipiens and Culex molestus are considered two species members of the Clclex pipiens complex, quite common in Madeira. C. pipiens is responsible for the circulation of the AB viruses: ((Flandres)),((Hart Park)), (both of the ((complex HP))), ((Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis)), ((Tahyna)), ((West Nile)) and others (RAMOS et alii, op. cit.). Culex theileri, mainly a zoophilic mosquito, bites also man and it is a quite common species in Madeira. It is considered as a potential vector of AB viruses among farm animals, e. g. ((Rift Valley Fever)) virus and catle. A.mong various, were isolated from C. theileri, in East-Southern Africa, the following arboviruses : &indbis)) and ((West Nile)). From an epidemiological viewpoint, we accentuate the absence of species of the genus Anopheles (maculipennis complex) its members being the vectors of human malaria in Palaearctic Region. Aedes aegypti, the principal vector of the urban yellow fever, it is also absent in Madeira.

21 Mosquitoes from Madeira SUMMARY In this paper, the author presents the results of a mosquito survey of the Madeira Island, carried out in September 1976 and April More than 1 SO0 specimens (about 300 adult mosquitoes and larvae and pupae) were collected. So.me disponible published data concerning to the Culicidae fauna of Madeira are also included as well as a gazetteer of collecting localities in this Island. Several new localities are added to the distribution of the species now collected. With the addition of Culex (C.) molestus the mosquito fauna of Madeira is assumed to comprise now six species and subspecies. Some taxonomic and bioecological notes are given to each speciex known from Madeira, as well as the reference to the.material examined. Brief considerations are made about mosquito fauna from a zoogeographical viewpoint and the author conclude that, except for the presence OS Aedes eqtoni and C. hortensis maderensis, the culicid fauna of this Island have two principal components: Ethiopian and Palaearctic and might be compatible with recent introductions from Africa, Spain, Portugal or even from the Canary Islands. Finally, are made some references to the epidemiological role of the Madeira mosquitoes, as potential vectors of disease agents of man and other animals. AKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author is very grateful to Prof. HENRI~UE RIBEIRO, of the Institut of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene of Lisbon, for his techical suggestions. We are also endebted to Prof. G. F. SACARRAO of the Department of Zoology Faculty of Sciences of Lisbon for the facilities always conceded. Finally we are grateful to Mrs. M. T. C. TEIXEIRA LOPES for her inestimable contribution during field work.

22 66 Rziben A. Cupela REFERENCES BECKER, T. (1908) - Dipteren der Kanarischen inseln und der Inseln Madeira. Mitt. Zool. Mus. in Berlin 4: BRAGA, J. M. (1931) - Culicideos de Portugal. Inst Univ. Porto. CAPELA, R. A. (1979)- Contribution a l etude des moustiques (Diptera: Culicidae) de S. Miguel-Acores et Madeira. Sur la presence de CuIex (Culex) molestus Forskal, 1775 Arq. Mus. Boc. notas e supl. 7 (42): l-4. CHRISTOPHERS, S. R. (1929)- Note on a collection of Anopheline and Culicine mosquitoes from Madeira and the Canary Islands. Ind. Jour. of Med. Res. 17: CLAVERO, G. (1946) -Aedinos de Espai ia Rev. Sanidad Hig. Publ. 20 (12) (1947)- <<Aedes (Finlaya) eatoni)) THEOBALD, nuevo aedino tinerfefio Rev. Sanidad Hig. Publ. 21: EDWARDS, F. W. ( )- Ochlerotatus eatoni, sp. n. Bull. Em. Res. 6: 358. FREY, R. (1949)- Die Dipterenfauna der Insel Madeira - Sac. Scient. Fenn. Comm. Biol. 8, 16: l-47. KNIGHT, K.L., STONE, A. (1977) - A Catalog of the Mosquitoes of the World Ent. Sot. of America, the Thomas Say Foundation, Washington, D.C. KNIGHT, K. L. (1978)- Supplement to a Catalog of the Mosquitoes of the World Em. Sot. of America, The Thomas Say Foundation, Washington, C.C. MATTINGLY, P. F. (1975)- Le Sous-Genre Neoculex (Diptera: Culicidae) dans la sous- -region mediterraneenne. I - Espece, sous- espece et synonyme nouvelles. Ann. Paras. Hum. Comp. 30: RAMOS, H. C.; RIBEIRO, H; PIRES, C. A. & CAPELA, R. A. ( )-Research on the mosquitoes of Portugal (Diptera: Culicidae). II - The mosquitoes of Algarve. An. Inst. Hig. e Med. Trop. 5 (l/4): RIOUX, J. A. (1959)- Les CulicidQ du ((Midi)) mediterranean. Etude systematique et ecologique. Paul Lechevalier, Paris. SCHODDUYN, R. (1927)- Note preliminaire sur la Brotbia Ser. ZooI. 23 (4): des eaux deuces de Mad&e. SENEVET, G. ; ANDARELLI, L. (1959)- Les moustiques de 1 Afrique du Nord et du Bassin Mediterranean. Les genres Culex, Uranotaenia, Theobaldia, Orthopodomya et Mansonia. Encyclopedic Entomologique, Ser. A., 37, Paris. STORA, R. (1941)- Die Arthropodenfauna von Madeira nach den Ergebnissen der Reise von Prof. Dr. 0. Lundblad, Juii-August XXX. Diptera Nematocera: Thaumaleidae, Ceroplatidae, Mycetophilidae, Dixidae und Culicidae. Ark. f Zool. Bd. 33B 6: 1-6. THEOBALD, F. V. (1903) - A Monograph of the Culicidae or Mosquitoes. Vol. 3. British Museum (Nat. Hist.).