The mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Tunisia: updated checklist and new distribution data.

Abstract

In the context of climate change and rapid environmental changes in the Mediterranean basin, accurate and up-to-date mosquito distribution data are essential to support the control of mosquito-borne diseases, which remain a major public health concern. Here, we report the results of intermittent, nationwide, cross-sectional mosquito sampling missions conducted in Tunisia between 2013 and 2023 to update the Culicidae checklist and document current species distribution of species. A total of 35 species were collected, compared with 49 species previously reported in the Tunisian literature. The primary malaria vectors Anopheles labranchiae and An. claviger sensu stricto were still recorded in the north, while An. multicolor and An. sergentii were found in the south, indicating that vigilance remains necessary following malaria elimination. The most abundant and widespread species were Aedes caspius, Ae. detritus, Culex perexiguus and Cx. pipiens. The latter two are recognised as vectors of pathogens such as West Nile virus and therefore require sustained surveillance. Several mosquito species previously reported in the literature were not detected during our surveys. The invasive species Ae. Albopictus, recently established in Tunisia, requires particular monitoring due to its spread to several regions of the country.