The mosquitoes (Diptera: Culidae) of Seychelles: taxonomy, ecology, vectorial importance, and identification keys

A comprehensive study of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Seychelles, including the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll, reveals 22 species, five of which are endemic. The research updates the culicidian fauna, confirming Aedes seychellensis as a synonym of Ae. albocephalus and documenting new records for Culex antennatus (Aldabra) and Cx. sunyaniensis (Praslin). Only three species (Ae. albocephalus, Cx. scottii, Cx. simpsoni) are shared between granitic and coralline islands, while Aedes albopictus dominates on granitic islands but is absent from Aldabra, where Ae. aegypti thrives. The study also highlights the aggressive behavior of Ae. fryeri and an unidentified Aedimorphus species on coralline islands. The research combines bibliographic review with field surveys during the 2008 rainy season across six granitic and six atoll sites, providing illustrated identification keys for adults and larvae. This work advances understanding of mosquito diversity, ecology, and vectorial importance in Seychelles, offering insights into island biology.

Le Goff, G., Boussès, P., Julienne, S., Brengues, C., Rahola, N., Rocamora, G., & Robert, V. (2012). The mosquitoes (Diptera: Culidae) of Seychelles: taxonomy, ecology, vectorial importance, and identification keys. Parasites & Vectors, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-5-207