Geometric morphometrics to differentiate species and explore seasonal variation in three Mansonia species (Diptera: Culicidae) in central Thailand and their association with meteorological factors
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
0269283X
eISSN
13652915
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85190559268
Pubmed ID
38608184
Journal Title
Medical and Veterinary Entomology
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Medical and Veterinary Entomology (2024)
Suggested Citation
Laojun S., Changbunjong T., Abdulloh A., Chaiphongpachara T. Geometric morphometrics to differentiate species and explore seasonal variation in three Mansonia species (Diptera: Culicidae) in central Thailand and their association with meteorological factors. Medical and Veterinary Entomology (2024). doi:10.1111/mve.12720 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/98071
Title
Geometric morphometrics to differentiate species and explore seasonal variation in three Mansonia species (Diptera: Culicidae) in central Thailand and their association with meteorological factors
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Mansonia mosquito species are recognised as a significant vector of human pathogens, primarily transmitting the filarial nematode, Brugia malayi. In central Thailand, the three most prevalent Mansonia species are Mansonia annulifera, Mansonia indiana and Mansonia uniformis. This study explored the influence of seasonal changes on the phenotypic variation of these Mansonia species in central Thailand using the geometric morphometrics (GM). To ensure accurate species identification, we integrated GM techniques with DNA barcoding, examining distinctions in both phenotype and genotype among the species. The intraspecific genetic divergence ranged from 0.00% to 1.69%, whereas the interspecific genetic divergence ranged from 10.52% to 16.36%. The clear distinction between intra- and interspecific distances demonstrated the presence of a barcoding gap, confirming the successful differentiation of the three Mansonia mosquito species through DNA barcoding. Similarly, the interspecies GM assessment for classifying Mansonia species demonstrated a high degree of accuracy, with an overall performance of 98.12%. Exploring seasonal variation in the three Mansonia species revealed wing variations across different seasons, and pronounced variations appearing in the cool season. Regarding their association with meteorological factors, Ma. annulifera and Ma. uniformis showed significant positive correlations with temperature (p < 0.05), and Ma. uniformis also displayed a significant negative correlation with atmospheric pressure (p < 0.05). The insights from this study will deepen our understanding of the adaptive patterns of Mansonia mosquitoes in Thailand's central region, paving the way for enhanced disease surveillance related to these vectors.