A new sandfly species, Phlebotomus (Larroussius) ashfordi (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Ethiopia, previously confused with P. (L.). aculeatus

Abstract

The sandfly subgenus Phlebotomus (Larroussius) contains species which transmit parasites causing cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa, including Ethiopia. The Gewasha caves in central Ethiopia harbour a new species (Phlebotomus ashfordi) belonging to the subgenus Larroussius and previously identified as P. (L.) aculeatus Lewis, Minter and Ashford. Although generally similar to P. (L.) aculeatus and P. (L.) elgonensis Ngoka, Madel and Mutinga, the species is distinct in eight male characters and in the female spermatheca. Given its taxonomic affinity to known vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis and the presence of disease in the Gewasha caves area, the medical importance of this species needs to be assessed.