Intraspecific phylogeny of Anopheles (Kerteszia) neivai Howard, Dyar & Knab 1913, based on mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal genes

Abstract Three mitochondrial regions and a fragment of a large nuclear ribosomal subunit was used to study the evolutionary patterns of An. neivai , a mosquito inhabiting mangroves and tropical forest in the lowland and coastal areas of the Yucatan Peninsula through the Pacific Ecuadorian coast. This species exhibits epidemiological importance regarding Malaria transmission in natural ecosystems, particularly in rural areas of the Pacific Colombian coast. The results based on phylogenetic networks and Bayesian inference showed no robust evidence supporting the existence of previously suggested cryptic species. Diversification patterns in geographically widespread species such as this one, are complex and therefore could impact malaria control strategies. Further studies focused on behavior, morphology, and phylogenomics will improve the understanding of the evolutionary patterns within An. neivai and its role as a disease vector.