85 - Updated checklist of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Peru: taxonomic revision, historical records and new national reports.

This study presents a comprehensive update of the mosquito fauna of Peru, integrating historical records and recent field collections. Since the early 20th century, 18 mosquito species and three forms were originally described from Peru. However, taxonomic revisions have synonymized seven of these species, while one remains under nomen dubium and the forms retain uncertain status. To refine the national checklist, the authors conducted an extensive literature review and systematic mosquito collections across diverse ecological regions, including the VRAEM (Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro River Valley). These efforts confirmed the presence of 11 previously unverified species such as Haemagogus anastasionis, Psorophora dimidiata, Culex dunni, and Uranotaenia socialis. Additionally, five species: Aedes aurivittatus, Ae. terrens/zavortinki, Cx. acharistus, Cx. dolosus, and Cx. Surinamensis are reported for the first time in Peru. Conversely, five species were excluded from the national fauna due to misidentification or lack of evidence. The updated checklist now includes 198 nominal species and four forms, spanning two subfamilies (Anophelinae and Culicinae), 14 tribes, and over 40 genera. The study highlights Peru’s exceptional mosquito diversity, shaped by its complex physiographic regions and megadiverse ecosystems. It also underscores the importance of taxonomic accuracy for vector surveillance and public health. Specimens were collected from varied habitats like streams, artificial containers, ponds, and forested areas; it was processed using classical morphological keys and slide-mounted preparations. The establishment of a biological station in Kimbiri, Cusco, supports ongoing mosquito rearing, education, and community engagement. This work provides a critical baseline for entomological research, vector control strategies, and biodiversity conservation in Peru, reinforcing the need for continued surveillance and molecular studies to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and detect emerging species.