The first national record of the invasive mosquito Aedes vittatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Mexico, a threat to public health in continental America

Abstract Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus (Bigot, 1861) has a native geographical distribution that encompasses tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean region of Europe. In its natural range, this mosquito species is a potential vector of the dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever viruses. Currently, Ae. vittatus is reported in the Caribbean countries of Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic in América. We report the discovery of one female Ae. vittatuscaptured on September 11, 2024, in X-Calakoop, Tinum, located near a tourist site in Yucatán. Additionally, 11 mosquito species were found: Aedes aegypti(Linnaeus), Aedes albopictus (Skuse), Aedes bimaculatusCoquillett, Aedes cozumelensis Díaz Nájera, Aedes podographicusDyar and Knab, Aedes taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann), Culex coronatorDyar and Knab, Culex nigripalpus Theobald, Haemagogus mesodentatusKomp & Kumm, Limatus durhamii Theobald, and Toxorhynchites moctezuma (Dyar & Knab). Notably, Ae. albopictus was the most abundant mosquito in the collection, representing 77.5% in the adult stage and 63.5% in the larval stage. The identification of Ae. vittatus in México represents the first record for a mainland country. The discovery represents the 252nd species in the country and 49th in Yucatán. The increase in the distribution pattern may have implications for public health in tropical America.