Hematophagous biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Tefé municipality, Amazonas state, Brazil

Some species of biting midges are vectors of pathogens that cause disease in vertebrates, including humans. The aim of this study was to survey the biting midge fauna in Tefe, Amazonas, Brazil. Culicoides were collected using HP light traps during January, February, and April 2013. Midges collected included one species from the genus Lectoconops that bites humans. A total of 248 Culicoides individuals were collected, representing 19 species from two subgenera ( Haematomyidium and  Hoffmania ) and four informal species groups ( carpenteri , leoni, fluvialis , and  reticulatus ). Twelve individuals of L. brasiliensis  were also collected, and this is the first record of L. brasiliensis in Amazonas. Three species of Culicoides were also recorded for the first time in Amazonas, including Culicoides aitkeni , C. glabellus  and C. ocumarensis . The most abundant species were C. hylas  (81 individuals), and C. foxi  (27). The Culicoides fauna in Tefe is diverse, and proven vectors such as C. paraensis  and C. insignis were found.