Culex (Melanoconion) (Diptera: Culicidae) as vectors of several arboviruses that cause diseases in humans and other animals, there are few taxonomic studies focusing on species of the subgenus, especially providing morphological keys for species identification.Despite the importance of some species of Culex (Melanoconion) were reviewed, five new species are described, and two taxonomic changes are proposed: Cx. (Mel.) exedrus Root, 1927 and Cx. (Mel.) loturus Dyar, 1925 are resurrected from synonymy with Cx. (Mel.) dunni Dyar, 1918 and Cx. (Mel.) zeteki Dyar, 1918, respectively. The Atratus Group now includes fourteen species: Cx. (Mel.) atratus Theobald, 1901; Cx. (Mel.) caribeanus Galindo & Blanton, 1954; Cx. (Mel.) columnaris Sá & Hutchings n. sp.; Cx. (Mel.) commevynensis Bonne-Wepster & Bonne, 1919; Cx. (Mel.) comptus Sá & Sallum n. sp.; Cx. (Mel.) dunni; Cx. (Mel.) ensiformis Bonne-Wepster & Bonne, 1919; Cx. (Mel.) exedrus; Cx. (Mel.) longisetosus Sá & Sallum n. sp.; Cx. (Mel.) longistylus Sá & Sallum n. sp.; Cx. (Mel.) loturus; Cx. (Mel.) spinifer Sá & Sallum n. sp.; Cx. (Mel.) trigeminatus Clastrier, 1970; and Cx. (Mel.) zeteki. Keys, descriptions and illustrations for the identification of the male, female, pupal and fourth-instar larval stages of each species are provided. The treatment of each species includes a complete synonymy, descriptions of available life stages, a taxonomic discussion, updated bionomics and geographical distribution, and a list of material examined.Thirteen species of the Atratus Group of Culex (Melanoconion) is updated, including descriptions of five new species. The number of valid species is greater than the number recognized in the previous taxonomic study of the group, increasing from seven to 14 species. Distributional and bionomical data are updated. Morphology-based identification keys for females, males, fourth-instar larvae and pupae provided in this study will facilitate species identification.The taxonomy of the Atratus Group of  Melanoconion Theobald, 1903 of Culex Linnaeus, 1758 are considered to be of public health importance because they are vectors of several arboviruses, such as the West Nile virus, viruses of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex, and eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus [Species of the subgenus is virus –9. Althois virus .Melanoconion includes 160 valid species and 79 synonyms for several species from both the Spissipes and the Melanoconion Sections [Melanoconion was proposed by Sirivanakarn [The subgenus Sections , 10–12. vanakarn , with soc oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and two nuclear genes: hunchback (hb) and carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamylase and dihydroorotase (CAD) of 43 species. The authors demonstrated the monophyly of the Spissipes and Melanoconion Sections, and that most of the morphology-based groups of the Spissipes Section are also monophyletic, corroborating the morphological classification previously proposed by Sirivanakarn [The Spissipes Section comprises 23 species separated into eight groups and three subgroups . The Melvanakarn . In contCx. atratus Theobald, 1901 ; Cx. caribeanus Galindo & Blanton, 1954; Cx. commevynensis Bonne-Wepster & Bonne, 1919; Cx. dunni Dyar ; Cx. ensiformis Bonne-Wepster & Bonne, 1919; Cx. trigeminatus Clastrier, 1970; and Cx. zeteki Dyar, 1918 . The geographical distribution of the Atratus Group ranges from southern South America to northern Central America with Cx. atratus dispersed on some Caribbean islands, and Cx. dunni as the only member of the group recorded in Mexico [The Atratus Group includes seven valid species  and fiven Mexico –16.Culex dunni has epidemiological importance as a potential vector of arboviruses that can infect and cause encephalitis in humans, as it has been found naturally infected with Pacora (PCA) virus [Cx. dunni has been reported to be vector of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus in Panama [A) virus . In addin Panama .Culex atratus, Cx. zeteki, Cx. dunni, Cx. commevynensis, Cx. ruffinis and Cx. loturus in the Melanoconion Section. Edwards [Cx. commevynensis in Group B, and Cx. atratus, Cx. zeteki, Cx. dunni (syn. Cx. ensiformis), Cx. ruffinis (syn. Cx. exedrus) and Cx. loturus in Group C. Komp [Cx. ruffinis as a synonym of Cx. dunni and Cx. loturus as a synonym of Cx. zeteci. Rozeboom & Komp [Cx. zeteci to Cx. zeteki, in accordance with provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Galindo & Blanton [Cx. caribeanus and Clastrier [Cx. trigeminatus, both based on unique features of the male genitalia. Sirivanakarn [Several taxonomic changes have been made related to the species of the Atratus Group before the classification proposed by Sirivanakarn . Dyar 1 placed C Edwards , based o C. Komp  considerm & Komp  correcte Blanton  describelastrier  describevanakarn  classifiAccurate species identification is necessary for studies focusing on biology, ecology, vectorial capacity and vector competence. This study aimed to review the taxonomy of the Atratus Group and update the data on species bionomics and distributions. Additionally, five new species are formally named and described, two species are elevated from synonymy and illustrated identification keys to the species level are provided for females, males, fourth-instar larvae and pupae.Cx. commevynensis Bonne-Wepter & Bonne, 1919 and Cx. trigeminatus Clastrier, 1970. Female and male genitalia along with immature specimens from the same locality and habitat were examined when available. When available, male genitalia, larval and pupal exuviae associated to the pinned adult were mounted on the same slide. Character measurements, of 2–5 specimens when available, were obtained in the same manner as Sallum & Hutchings [Culex classification adopted is that proposed by Harbach [The specimens examined during this study are from the Coleção Entomológica de Referência, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP-USP), São Paulo, Brazil and from the Coleção de Invertebrados, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Brazil. All specimens come from field collections made in several localities in the Brazilian states of Acre, Amazonas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rondônia and São Paulo. Type specimens of the nominal species, deposited in the Diptera Collection in the National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, D.C., USA and in the Natural History Museum (NHM), London, UK, were also examined, except for the types of utchings . Illustrutchings , 26, witutchings . Only th Harbach . The Ano Harbach .Geographical distributions are based on both literatute records and material examined, including field collections and museum specimens examined. Distribution records of the material examined are listed in the following format: country, state, municipality and/or locality name, latitude and longitude.Culex commevynensis is not included in this revision because the type specimen could not be examined.International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) [To comply with the regulations set out in Article 8.5 of the amended 2012 version of the e (ICZN) , detailsThe abbreviations used are: L, larva; Le, larval exuviae; P, pupa; Pe, pupal exuviae; ♂, male; ♀, female; ♂G, male genitalia; Syn., synonym; distr., distribution; tax., taxonomy; info., information; desig., designation; emend., emendation; FSP-USP, Faculdade de Saúde Pública of Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; INPA, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil; NHM, Natural History Museum, London, UK; USNM, National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC, USA; MNHN, Museum National dʼHistoire Naturelle, Paris, France.Atratus GroupAccording to Sirivanakarn , the folTaxonomic treatmentCulex (Melanoconion) atratusTheobald, 19011901Culex atratus Theobald, 1901: 55 [1901: 55   l1909Culex falsificator Dyar & Knab, 1909: 258 [909: 258  (♂) lect1938Culex advieri Senevet, 1938: 185 [938: 185   Melanoconion atratus of Theobald (1903: 238) [Melanoconion).03: 238)     [15: 388)   atratus of Dyar (1923: 187) [23: 187)  (♂G); Bo23: 187)    (♂G); Fo23: 187)  (type in23: 187)  (type in23: 187)      (tax.); 23: 187)   [909: 50)  (distr.)909: 50)  (tax.); 909: 50)   falsificator of Edwards (1932: 214) [Cx. atratus); Stone & Knight (1957: 49) [32: 214)  (synonym957: 49)  (desig. 957: 49) .Culex advieri of Rozeboom & Komp (1950: 87) [Cx. atratus)950: 87)  (synonymCulex (Melanoconion) advieri of Floch & Abonnenc (1945: 29) [945: 29)    (type in945: 29) .Type material: Lectotype, pinned adult male (NHM 010630134) in poor condition associated with male genitalia, and paralectotype pinned adult female (NHM 0106300135) in good condition in the Diptera Collection, Natural History Museum (NHM), London, UK; topotypic male and female in the Diptera Collection, National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, DC, USA. Lectotype male and paralectotype female of Cx. atratus examined as photographs provided by the Natural History Museum, London, UK, for comparisons.Material examined: 36 specimens: 25 ♂G, 5 Le, 3 Pe, 7♂. USNM, Jamaica: JA798-90 (♂); JA 798-30 ; JA798-32 (♀); JA6- 101 (♂G); JA25-102 (♂G); JA2/3-84 (♂G); JA871-102 (♂G); JA744-90 ; JA798-96 ; JA414-103 (♂G); JA701-67/208-2 (♂G); JA727-102 ; JA719-6/208-3 (♂G); JA871-103 (♂G); JA899-10 (♂G); JA701-67/213-15 (♂G); JA719-67/213-16 (♂G); JA759-91 (♂G); JA798-40 (♂G); JA744-95 (♂G); JA862-67/213-17 (♂G); JA862-67/208-4 (♂G); JA744-1 (Le); JA798-3 (Le); JA899 (Le); JA862-2 (Le). Dominican Republic: RD1 ; RD2 (Pe); RD3 (Pe). French West Indies: FWI201-14 (♂G); FWI198-101 (♂G). Haiti: HAT11-103 (♂G); HAT8-680923-8 (♂G). Synonym Culex falsificator: Lectotype, pinned adult male (USNM no. 12108), with associated dissected genitalia (USNM no. 408) in good condition in the Diptera Collection, National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, DC, USA.Distribution:Culex atratus has been found in Cuba [ in Cuba ; Jamaica in Cuba ; Dominic in Cuba ; Dominic in Cuba ; Brazil  in Cuba –50; Caym in Cuba ; Florida in Cuba ; Venezue in Cuba  and Pana in Cuba . The occDescriptionMale. [Figs. Head: antenna dark, verticillate; length 1.17‒1.25 (1.20) (n = 3); proboscis entirely dark-scaled, length 1.56–1.74 (1.67) (n = 3); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 2.08–2.21 (2.13) (n = 3); palpomere III with few long, strong setae at apex and inconspicuous basal white ring; palpomeres IV-V entirely covered with long, strong setae; clypeus and antennal pedicel dark. Vertex with narrow, white decumbent falcate scales on central area and erect, dark forked scales; large lateral patch of broad, decumbent white scales extending dorsally; ocular line with narrow, white falcate scales extending dorsally; occiput with dark erect forked scales. Thorax: integument brown; scutum covered with narrow, dark brown falcate scales with lightly golden-coppery reflections. Scutal setae large, dark brown with golden-coppery reflections. Scutellar scales similar to prescutellar scales on median and lateral lobes; median lobe with 4–6 large, dark setae; lateral lobes each with 3 or 4 setae. Pleural integument with pattern of pale and dark brown areas as follows: dark brown on postspiracular area, upper mesokatepisternum, upper and lower mesepimeron; pale on lower mesokatepisternum, mesomeron. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: setae dark brown with bronzy reflections: 7 or 8 antepronotal, 4–6 prealar; and pleural setae pale golden, hyaline: 4 or 5 upper mesokatepisternal, 3–5 lower mesokatepisternal, 3 or 4 upper mesepimeral and 1 large lower mesepimeral. Pleura with patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few scales not forming patch. Wing: dark-scaled, length 2.26–2.31 (2.29) (n = 3). Dorsal scales broad, dark distally on veins R1, R2, R3, R4+5, M1+2 and M3+4; appressed, dark spatulate scales on veins C, Sc, R, proximally on M, Cu1, Cu2 and A1; linear scales on Rs, R2+3; remigium with appressed spatulate scales and 2 setae. Halter: scabellum yellowish; pedicel yellowish, narrow, with brown dorsal strip; capitellum brown, with few scales with golden reflections. Legs: coxae pale; ventral surface of fore- and midfemur with longitudinal stripe of white scales; tibiae dark-scaled; joints of fermur-tibia and tibia-tarsomere I with ring of pale scales; tarsi entirely dark-scaled. Abdomen: tergum I with dark scales, terga III-VIII dark-scaled with basolateral patches of white scales; sterna II-VII with broad basal white bands. Genitalia: ninth tergal lobes pear-shaped, each with 12–14 slender, aciculate setae inserted at 0.67 from base, apex glabrous; distance between lobes 0.6 of width of one lobe at base. Gonocoxite small, narrow, oblong; subapical lobe divided into 2 columnar divisions; proximal division with 2 parallel, apically pointed setae (a and b); seta a shorter, slender, inserted basal to seta b; seta b spatulate and stronger than seta a. Distal division with short columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 filiform, narrow, pointed, apically inserted, subequal in size (setae f), 1 long seta, with hook-like apex (seta h), 1 large, broad, asymmetrical, ribbed seta arising subapically (seta l); 1 saber-like, ribbed seta (seta s) arising apically. Gonocoxite with 4 or 5 broad, hyaline, flattened, apically curved setae borne ventromesally between proximal and distal divisions. Gonostylus slender, slightly curved, tapering towards apex; apex moderately blunt, ventral surface with 2 apical hyaline setae; one short leaf-like gonostylar claw arising apically. Aedeagal sclerite and lateral plate equal in length; lateral process of lateral plate sclerotized, slightly pointed, directed dorsolaterally; ventral process almost straight. Aedeagal sclerite curved in lateral view. Proctiger with tergum X somewhat triangular, slender in outline, inner process pointed. Basal plate with concave inner margin. Paraproct elongate, crown with 9 or 10 simple blades. Cercal sclerite with 1 or 2 setae.e. Figs. , 2a SmalFemale. Not examined.Pupa. [Figs. Cephalothorax: setae 1,2-CT 4-branched (n = 2); setae 3,4-CT 2-branched; seta 5-CT 4-branched; seta 6-CT 2-branched; seta 7-CT 3-branched; seta 8-CT 5- or 6-branched; seta 9-CT 2- or 3-branched; seta 10-CT 5- or 6-branched; seta 11-CT single; seta 12-CT 2- or 3-branched. Trumpet moderately tanned. Pinna small, V-shaped in lateral view; tracheoid area, darker, extending almost 0.45 from base; trumpet index c.7. Abdomen: lightly tanned; seta 9-VIII with 4 aciculate branches. Paddle weakly tanned; setae 1,2-Pa single, 1-Pa longer than 2-Pa.a. Figs. a, 4a IntLarva. [Figs. Head: wider than long; capsule moderately tanned; lateralia and collar darker; length and width not measured; dorsomentum with 1 large median tooth and 4 small teeth on either side. Antenna lightly tanned with dark rings at base and level of seta 1-A; setae 2,3-C absent (n = 2); seta 4-C single; seta 5-C with 6 long branches reaching 6-C insertion; seta 6-C single, long, reaching anterior margin of head, with sparse minute spicules on basal 0.5; seta 7-C with 12 aciculate branches; seta 8-C 5- or 6 branched; seta 9-C 4-branched; seta 10-C 3-branched; seta 11-C double; seta 12-C 4- or 5-branched; seta 13-C single; seta 14-C 3-branched; seta 15-C with multiple hyaline branches. Thorax: integument hyaline; pleura without darker patches under integument. Abdomen: integument hyaline; comb of segment VIII with 19–28 sub-equal scales arranged in 3 rows. Segment X with complete saddle, apico-lateral margin dark with spicules; seta 1-X with 4 hyaline branches; seta 2-X with 1 long branch, 3 shorter; seta 3-X single; ventral brush (seta 4-X) with 5 pairs of 5-branched setae. Anal papillae slender, gradually tapering to apex. Siphon: long, at least 3 times longer than saddle, darker in mid-length; pecten with 18 spines on basal 0.3. Seta 1-S usually in 4 ventral pairs and 4 dorsal pairs; seta 2-S hook-shaped with small, curved secondary branch.a. Figs. a, 6a HeaBionomics. Immature stages of Cx. atratus were collected in permanent and semi-permanent partially shaded habitats, such as ponds, stream margins, swamps and ditches, in association with herbaceous vegetation such as reeds, grass and algae, in fresh, clear or dark water. Larvae and pupae were found in association with Nyssorhynchus albimanus Wiedemann, 1820 and Anopheles grabhamii Theobald, 1901 and less frequently with Cx. nigripalpus Theobald, 1901 Uranotaenia socialis Theobald, 1901 and Ur. cooki Root, 1937 [Cx. atratus were found in artificial containers with Aedes albopictus  in Florida Key, Florida, USA [ot, 1937 . Larvae ida, USA . In the ida, USA  found laida, USA .RemarksCulex atratus was described as a species of the genus Culex by Theobald [Cx. atratus to the newly created genus Melanoconion, based on the arrangement of wing scales. Dyar [Cx. atratus as the type of genus Melanoconion, and Howard et al. [Cx. falsificator from adults collected in Cuba, and Bonne & Bonne-Wepster [Cx. falsificator with Cx. atratus, which was accepted by Edwards [Culex advieri was described by Senevet [Cx. advieri from Guadeloupe. Rozeboom & Komp [Cx. advieri with Cx. atratus; the synonymy was also recognized later by Belkin et al. [Cx. atratus can be identified by the following combination of characters: wings dark-scaled; small patch of pale scales on upper mesokatepisternum; scutum with very narrow, bronzy scales; mesepimeron entirely dark, without median pale area; terga II-VIII with basolateral patches of white scales. Males can be readily distinguished from the other species of the Atratus Group by the presence of 4 or 5 broad, hyaline, flattened, apically curved setae arising ventromesally between the proximal and distal divisions of the gonocoxite. In addition, other characteristics of the male genitalia can be employed to identify Cx. atratus: lateral plate without apical process and lateral process directed dorsolaterally, and ninth tergal lobe pear-shaped with aciculate setae arising at basal 0.6. Fourth-instar larvae can be distinguished by having the scales of the comb of segment VIII of equal size and arranged in four irregular rows; seta 5-C reaching the insertion of seta 6-C; siphonal pecten spines with large coarse marginal denticles. Culex atratus pupae can be distinguished by having a V-shaped pinna and seta 9-VIII with 4 or 5 aciculate branches.Theobald  based onTheobald  transferes. Dyar  selectedd et al.  described et al.  describe-Wepster  synonymi Edwards  and Belk Edwards . Culex a Senevet  from mal Senevet  associatm & Komp  synonymin et al.  and Belkn et al. . In spitCulex(Melanoconion)caribeanusGalindo & Blanton, 19541954Culex (Melanoconion) caribeanus Galindo & Blanton, 1954: 244 [954: 244  (♂) holoCulex (Melanoconion) caribeanus of Pecor et al.  [16, 124)      (distr.)Type material: Holotype, adult male mounted on slide with dissected male genitalia (USNM 01347) and paratype male mounted on slide with dissected male genitalia (USNM 01160) deposited in the Diptera Collection, National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, DC, USA.Material examined: 4 specimens: 4 ♂G, 2 ♂: INPA, Brazil: Amazonas State, Ipixuna Municipality, Lago Grande, Seringal Recreio, Gregório River , coll. Hutchings et al. 2011, 20–21.v.2011, det. Hutchings & Sallum, 3.vii.2012 ; coll. Hutchings et al. 2011, 18–19.v.2011, det. Hutchings & Sallum, 3.vii.2012 . Amazonas State, Barcelos Municipality, Ararinha, Padauari River , coll. Hutchings et al. 2010, 6–7.vi.2010, det. Hutchings & Sá, 01.iii.2017 . Amazonas State, Maués Municipality, Picada Pirarara, Abacaxis River , coll. Hutchings et al. 2008, 28–29.v.2008, det. Sá, 01.iii.2017 .Distribution:Culex caribeanus has been found in Mojinga Swamp, Canal Zone, Panama [Cx. trigeminatus) [, Panama  and in tminatus) , Barcelominatus)  and IpixDescriptionMale. [Figs. Head: antenna dark, verticillate, length 1.04–1.38 (1.21) (n = 2); proboscis dark-scaled, with conspicuous, median, dorsal patch of whitish scales, length 1.30–1.51 (1.40) (n = 2); maxillary palpus length 1.69–1.90 (1.79) (n = 2); palpomere I entirely whitish-scaled; palpomere II with basal patch of whitish scales; palpomere III with conspicuous patch of whitish scales on median portion. Thorax: scutum covered with bronzed scales, except whitish scales on anterior promontory, scutal fossa, dorsocentral and supraalar areas forming a pattern. Scutellar scales whitish; median lobe with 4 or 5 setae; lateral lobes with 3 or 4 setae each. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: dark brown with bronzy reflections: 7 or 8 antepronotal, 5 or 6 prealar; and pleural setae golden, hyaline: 4 or 5 upper mesokatepisternal, 3 or 4 lower mesokatepisternal, 5 or 6 upper mesepimeral, and 1 large lower mesepimeral. Pleura with patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few scales not forming patch. Wing: dark-scaled as in Cx. atratus; length 2.31–2.47 (2.39) mm (n = 2). Halter: scabellum and pedicel whitish; capitellum brown with few scales with golden reflections. Legs: fore- and midfemora with preapical ring of white scales. Abdomen: tergum I dark-scaled; terga III-VIII dark-scaled with basal bands of white scales. Genitalia: tergum IX lobes with concave inner margin, pointed and apex glabrous, median portion each with 14–16 slender, simple and aciculate setae; distance between lobes smaller than half basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite narrow, oblong; proximal division of subapical lobe with 4 parallel, apically pointed setae : seta a more basal, spoon-shaped; seta b longer than others, spatulate, sinuous subapically; seta c thin, slender, filiform, inserted between setae b and d; seta d implanted on tubercle apical to seta b, filiform, long. Distal division with elongated columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 filiform, narrow, pointed, apically inserted, subequal in size (setae f), 1 filiform, with hook-like apex (seta h) and 1 large, broad, asymmetrical, ribbed seta arising subapically (l seta); 1 saber-like, ribbed seta (seta s) arising apically. Gonocoxite with 4 or 5 slender, hyaline, short, inconspicuous setae borne ventromesally between proximal and distal divisions. Gonostylus as in Cx. atratus, except on dorsal surface of apex with 2 or 3 inconspicuous folds. Ventral process of lateral plate with large convexity on upper border and conspicuous pointed projection directed ventrobasally. Proctiger with tergum X somewhat triangular in outline, inner process pointed and long.e. Figs. b, 7 HeadFemale, pupa and larva. Unknown.Bionomics. Adult males were collected using CDC light traps with UV lamps in upland (terra firme) Amazon Forest [n Forest .RemarksCulex caribeanus was described by Galindo & Blanton [Cx. caribeanus can be misidentified as Cx. trigeminatus if the male genitalia are not properly dissected and mounted in lateral view. Based on characteristics of the female, Cx. caribeanus is similar to Cx. trigeminatus in possessing preapical rings of white scales on the fore- and midfemora and proboscis with patch of whitish scales on the median portion of ventral surface. Culex caribeanus differs from Cx. trigeminatus in having palpomere I entirely white-scaled, palpomere II with basal patch of white scales, palpomere III with conspicuous patch of white scales on median portion close to pale patch of proboscis, and wings entirely dark-scaled on ventral and dorsal surfaces. In Cx. trigeminatus, the palpomeres I and II are dark-scaled, palpomere III has a small basal patch of pale scales, and palpomere IV has an inconspicuous proximal patch of whitish scales, and the wings have veins C and R with basal patches of white scales. The male genitalia of Cx. caribeanus have simple and aciculate setae on the median portion of the ninth tergal lobes, whereas in Cx. trigeminatus the setae are simple. In addition, Cx. caribeanus differs from Cx. trigeminatus in possessing a pronounced convexity on the apical margin of the lateral plate, and a conspicuous pointed projection directed ventrobasally in the ventral process. In Cx. trigeminatus, the apical margin of the ventral process of the lateral plate is straight and bears a short projection. Blanton  from mal Blanton  found thCulex(Melanoconion)columnarisSá & Hutchings n. sp.Type locality: Senador Guiomard Municipality in Fazenda Experimental Catuaba, UFAC, BR-364 Km 23 , Acre State, Brazil. Adults were collected using a CDC trap with UV light in terra firme forests at an elevation of 205 m.Type material: Holotype, pinned adult male with associated dissected genitalia on slide , with following collection data: Brazil: Acre State, Senador Guiomard Municipality, Fazenda Experimental Catuaba, UFAC, BR-364 Km 23 , coll. Hutchings & Carmo, 23-24.viii.2016, det. Sá, 2017, deposited in the Coleção de Invertebrados, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. Paratypes: 2 pinned adult males with dissected genitalia on separate slides  from same collection as holotype and deposited in INPA; and 2 pinned adult males with dissected genitalia on separate slides , from same collection as holotype and deposited in the Coleção Entomológica de Referência, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP-USP), São Paulo State, São Paulo municipality, Brazil.ZooBank registration: The Life Science Identifier (LSID) for Culex (Melanoconion) columnaris n. sp. is urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 139D4046-50EC-4D2A-AE1B-51502EC47A44.Etymology: From the Latin adjective columnaris, meaning rising in the form of column, in reference to the long columnar process of the proximal division of the subapical lobe.DescriptionMale. [Figs. Head: antennal length 1.06–1.60 (1.40) (n = 5); proboscis entirely dark-scaled, length 1.44–1.70 (1.55) (n = 5); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 1.82–2.21 (1.96) (n = 5); occiput with dark brown erect forked scales. Thorax: scutum with narrow, brown, falcate scales with golden reflection, prescutellar area with whitish scales. Scutellar scales whitish, median lobe with 6 setae; lateral lobes each with 3 or 4 large setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: dark brown: 3–5 antepronotal, 4–6 prealar; and pleural pale golden, slender setae: 4 or 5 upper mesokatepisternal, 3 or 4 lower mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 upper mesepimeral; lower mesepimeron with one strong, long, pale golden seta. Mesepimeral integument dark, with indistinct pale spot on median area, not dividing upper and lower areas. Pleura with less evident patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few white scales. Wing: dark-scaled; length 2.19–2.54 (2.35) (n = 5). Halter: scabellum, pedicel and capitellum whitish. Legs: coxae pale; ventral surface of fore- and midfemur with a longitudinal stripe of white scales; tibiae dark-scaled; joints of femur-tibia and tibia-tarsomere I with ring of pale scales; tarsi entirely dark-scaled. Abdomen: tergum I with dark scales; terga III-VII dark-scaled with proximal white bands; tergum VIII with dark scales. Genitalia: tergum IX lobes elongate, each with 14 slender, apically bifid, simple setae in median portion; apex glabrous. Distance between lobes about 1/3 of basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite oblong, narrow; proximal division with long, apically divided, columnar process bearing 2 parallel setae (a and b): seta a basal, slender with pointed apex; seta b slightly sinuous with apex curved. Distal division with long columnar process with 5 setae: 3 narrow, filiform, apically pointed setae of different sizes (seta f), 1 long seta hook-like at apex (seta h), and 1 large, long, asymmetrical seta arising subapically (seta l); 1 saber-like seta with broad apex and without peduncle on base (seta s) arising apically; gonocoxite with 2 short, hyaline setae on ventromesal surface. Gonostylus slender, slightly curved, with moderately pointed apex, ventral surface with 2 apical hyaline setae; 1 short gonostylar claw arising apically. Aedeagus with apical process slightly curved dorsally and ventral process with rounded prominence. Proctiger with tergum X asymmetrical, with outer process rounded.e. Figs. c, 8 InteRemarksCx. columnaris n. sp. bear more morphological similarities to Cx. zeteki than to other species of the Atratus Group. However, adult specimens of the new species differ from Cx. zeteki in having the mesepimeron with a slightly light stain on the median area, not divided into upper and lower areas. The male genitalia differ from those of Cx. zeteki in having the seta s without peduncle on base and with a broad apex, IX tergal lobes with bifid setae in the ventromedial region, and a lateral plate without undulations on the apical process. Furthermore, Cx. columnaris n. sp. has the proximal division of subapical lobe with an apically divided long columnar process which bears only two setae (a and b).The male genitalia and adults of Culex(Melanoconion)comptusSá & Sallum n. sp.Type locality: Presidente Epitácio Municipality near Horto Florestal , São Paulo State, Brazil. Larvae were collected in partially shaded, permanent habitats, with turbid water, associated with Pistia sp., in remnants of the Atlantic Forest and in transition areas between the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest biomes, cohabiting with Cx. dunni.Other localities: Bolivia, Brazil, Panama and Suriname. In Brazil, the species occurs in the municipalities of Presidente Epitácio and Dourado, São Paulo State, in Santo Antônio do Içá, Manacapuru and Jutaí, Amazonas State, and in the municipality of Juruti, Pará State (present study).Type material: Holotype, pinned adult male with dissected genitalia, larval and pupal exuviae on the same slide , with following collection data: Brazil, São Paulo State, Presidente Epitácio Municipality, near Horto Florestal , coll. Sá & Chaves, 15.iii.2016, det. Sá, 2016, deposited in the Coleção Entomológica de Referência, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP-USP), São Paulo Municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil. Paratypes: 2 pinned adult males with dissected genitalia, larval and pupal exuviae on separate slides ; 2 pinned adult females associated with larval and pupal exuviae on separate slides ; 2 pinned adult males with dissected genitalia and pupal exuviae on separate slides ; 1 pinned adult female with associated pupal exuviae on slide , from same collection as holotype and deposited in FSP-USP; 2 pinned adult males with dissected genitalia on separate slides , with following collection data: Brazil, Amazonas State, Santo Antônio de Içá Municipality, Parana do Canini, Solimões River , coll. Hutchings et al. 2003; 1 pinned adult male with dissected genitalia on slide , with following collection data: Brazil, Amazonas State, Jutai Municipality, São Raimundo, Parana do Cervalho, Solimões River , coll. Hutchings et al. 2003; 1 pinned adult male with dissected genitalia on slide , with following collection data: Brazil, Amazonas State, Manacapuru Municipality, Parana do Cururu, Solimões River , coll. Hutchings et al. 2003; and 1 pinned adult male associated with dissected male genitalia , with following collection data: Brazil, Pará State, Juruti Municipality, Recreio, Parana de Dona Rosa, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 2003, deposited in the Coleção de Invertebrados, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil.Material examined: 21 specimens: 10 ♂G, 16 Pe, 14 Le, 4 ♂, 10 ♀. FSP-USP, Brazil, São Paulo State, Presidente Epitácio Municipality , coll. Sá & Chaves, 15.iii.2016, det. Sá, 2016: SP172-06 ; SP172-17 ; SP172-28 ; SP172-32 ; SP172-34 ; SP172-36 ; SP172-37 ; SP172-39 ; SP172-43 ; SP 172-45 ; SP172-46 ; SP172-47 ; SP172-49 ; SP172-110 . São Paulo State, Dourado Municipality, SP255Km, Obelisco  coll. Sallum et al., 7.v.2009, det Sallum 2012: E-15439 (Pe). Dourado, SP255 km, Santa Leonor Farm , coll. Sallum et al. 7.v.2009, det. Sallum 2012: E-15440 . USNM, Panama: PA37-115 (♂G); PA2-101 (♂G). Suriname: (USNM) S.S det., 1978: MEP-AC634-20 (♂G); MEP-AC634-21 (♂G). Bolivia: Catalog no. 82164 (♂G).ZooBank registration: The Life Science Identifier (LSID) for Culex (Melanoconion) comptus n. sp. is urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 260B62E3-BD5B-4384-980A-AD7000EC8E17.Etymology: From the Latin adjective comptus, meaning ornate, adorned, in reference to the dark brown to black and pale golden scales that form a pattern on the scutum.DescriptionFemale. Integument dark brown, with pale areas on thoracic pleura. Head: antenna dark, flagellum normal, whorls with 5 setae, length 1.00–1.38 (1.21) (n = 5); proboscis dark-scaled, length 1.35–1.44 (1.42) (n = 5); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 0.21–0.26 (0.24) (n = 5). Occiput with dark brown erect forked scales. Thorax: integument dark brown; scutum covered with narrow, dark brown to black falcate scales; may have pale golden scales forming a pattern on anterior promontory, scutal fossa, dorsocentral, prescutelar and supraalar areas. Scutellar scales whitish; median lobe with 5 or 6 setae; lateral lobes each with 3 or 4 setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: brown, large: 3–7 antepronotal, 3–5 prealar; and pleural setae golden, hyaline: 4 or 5 upper mesokatepisternal, 3 or 4 lower mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 upper mesepimeral and 1 large lower mesepimeral. Pleura with patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few white scales. Wing: dark-scaled; vein C with small proximal patch of white scales, vein Sc occasionally with inconspicuous proximal patch of white scales, vein R with proximal patch of white scales separated by median patch of dark scales; wing length 2.44–3.05 (2.79) (n = 5). Halter: scabellum and pedicel whitish; pedicel with narrow, brown, dorsal strip; capitellum brownish. Legs: coxae pale; ventral surface of fore- and midfemur with longitudinal stripe of white scales; tibiae dark-scaled; joints of femur-tibia and tibia-tarsomere I with ring of pale scales; tarsi entirely dark-scaled. Abdomen: tergum I dark-scaled; terga II-VIII dark-scaled with basal bands of white scales.Male. [Figs. Head: antenna verticillate, length 0.92–1.37 (1.10) (n = 5); proboscis length 1.48–1.59 (1.55) (n = 5); maxillary palpus length 1.54–2.16 (1.89) (n = 5). Wing: length 2.37–2.63 (2.51) (n = 5). Genitalia: tergum IX lobes somewhat conical, elongate, narrow with glabrous apex, median portion each with 11–15 slender, simple setae; distance between lobes larger than basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite oblong; proximal division of subapical lobe with 2 parallel, pointed setae (a and b): seta a basal, short, narrower than seta b, with pointed apex; seta b long, spatulate, with pointed apex and implanted on salient tubercle. Distal division with long columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 filiform, narrow, pointed, apically inserted, subequal in size (seta f); 1 filiform, with hooked apex (seta h); 1 large, long, broad, asymmetrical, ribbed seta arising subapically (seta l); and 1 saber-like, ribbed seta (seta s) arising apically. Gonocoxite with 3 or 4 hyaline, filiform, median, inconspicuous setae on ventromesal surface. Gonostylus slender, slightly curved, with moderately blunt apex, ventral surface with 2 apical hyaline setae, gonostylar claw extremely short. Aedeagal sclerite with few, inconspicuous spicules on ventral surface; lateral process pointed and directed dorsolaterally. Proctiger with tergum X somewhat triangular in outline, inner process pointed.e. Figs. d, 9 EssePupa. [Figs. Cephalothorax: trumpet cylindrical, pinna small, irregular in shape, pinna length 0.07–0.12 (0.10) (n = 10), distal margin opposite meatal cleft, with small emargination; tracheoid area darker, extending 0.20–0.25 (0.23) (n = 10) from base; trumpet index 13.8–16.2 (15.4) (n = 10). Abdomen: seta 9-VIII with 3 simple branches; paddle index 1.32–1.57 (1.47) (n = 10).a. Figs. b, 4b CepLarva. [Figs. Head: length 0.62–0.71 (0.67) (n = 10), width 1.04–1.10 (1.06) (n = 5). Antennal length 0.49–0.60 (0.55) (n = 10). Seta 1-A inserted 0.38–0.40 (0.38) (n = 10) from antennal base; seta 4-C double; seta 5-C with 3 or 4 long branches reaching 6-C insertion; seta 13-C double. Abdomen: comb of segment VIII with 25–28 sub-equal scales arranged in 3 rows. Segment X length 0.34–0.38 (0.36) (n = 10), saddle complete, apicolateral margin dark with spicules; siphon/saddle index 4.17–5.18 (4.67) (n = 10). Siphon: long, slender, index 8.7–11.0 (9.7) (n = 10); pecten with 12 marginal spines on basal 0.30 of siphon. Seta 1-S usually with 4 ventral pairs and 4 dorsal pairs.a. Figs. b, 6b HeaRemarksCx. comptus n. sp. are more morphologically similar to Cx. commevynensis than to any other species of the Atratus Group. These species have in common characteristics such as the shape and size of seta l of the distal division, the length of the columnar process of the distal division and the number and form of setae in the proximal division. However, the male genitalia of Cx. comptus n. sp. differ from those of Cx. commevynensis in possessing slightly conical, narrow and elongate tergum IX lobes. On the other hand, in the original description of the Cx. commevynensis adult, Bonne-Wepster & Bonne [Cx. comptus n. sp., the vertex and occiput possess whitish, curved, narrow scales and the scutum is covered with narrow and dark brown to black falcate scales and some pale golden scales forming conspicuous pattern on the anterior promontory, scutal fossa, dorsocentral, prescutelar and supraalar areas. The fourth-instar larva of Cx. comptus n. sp. differs from the larva of Cx. zeteki in having three rows of comb scales and slender pecten spines with serrate edges. The pupa of Cx. comptus n. sp. differs from the pupa of Cx. zeteki in having the pinna of the trumpet slightly smaller and differs from the pupa of Cx. trigeminatus in having the trumpet clearer and with the distal margin bearing a more conspicuous notch opposite the meatal cleft.Based on the original description of Bonne-Wepster & Bonne , and ill & Bonne  mention Culex(Melanoconion)dunniDyar, 19181918Culex (Melanoconion) dunni Dyar, 1918: 123 [918: 123   l1924Culex (Melanoconion) ruffinis Dyar & Shannon, 1924: 144 [924: 144   Culex (Melanoconion) dunni of Dyar (1923: 188) [Cx. ensiformis); Dyar (1928: 340) [23: 188)  (synonym of Dyar 23: 188 [28: 340)  (♂G); Fo28: 340)  ; 28: 340)  (desig. 28: 340)  (distr.)28: 340)  (Guatema28: 340)  (Venezue28: 340)  (distr.)Culex (Melanoconion) ruffinis of Dyar (1928: 341) [Cx. dunni). of Dyar 28: 341 [28: 341)  , with dissected genitalia on slide (USNM no. 901).Material examined: 56 specimens: 45 ♂G, 15 Le, 18 Pe, 18 ♂, 16 ♀. FSP-USP, Brazil: São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Vilarinho , coll. Sá et al. 14.vii.2015, det. Sá 2015: SP166-03 ; SP166-04 (Pe); SP166-21 . São Paulo State, Presidente Epitácio Municipality , coll. Sá & Chaves 2016, det. Sá 2016: SP172-35 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Itapitangui , coll. Forattini et al. 1985, det. Sallum 1985: EP014-1 ; EP058-1 ; EP058-3 ; EP070-1 . São Paulo State, Dourado , coll. Forattini et al. 1980, det. Sallum 1980: 02 (♂G); 28 (♂G); 148 . São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality, Pariquera-Mirim , coll. Forattini et al. 24.vii.1984, det. Sallum 1984: HEP414-7 ; HEP414-8 ; HEP414-9 ; HEP414-18 ; HEP414-20 ; HEP429-3 ; HEP429-7 ; HEP440-7 . Minas Gerais State, Goianá Municipality , coll. Bergo et al. 30.xi.2008, det. Sallum 2008: MG24-102 , Minas Gerais State, Carmo da Mata Municipality, Rural das Pedras Farm , coll. Bergo et al. 13.iv.2010, det. Sallum 2014: MG46-02 . INPA, Brazil: Pará State, Almeirim Municipality, Arumanduba, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 19–20.viii.2003, det. Hutchings: ProV-047641 (♂G); ProV-047649 (♂G); ProV-047741 (♂G). Pará State, Almeirim Municipality, Paraiso, Paranacuara, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 21–22.viii.2003, det. Hutchings: ProV-055512 (♂G). Pará State, Prainha Municipality, Fazenda JK, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 22–23.x.2003, det. Hutchings & Sá: ProV-049099 (♂G). Pará State, Prainha Municipality, Curuauna River , coll. Hutchings et al. 24–25.x.2003, det. Hutchings & Sá: ProV-049615 (♂G). Pará State, Juruti Municipality, Recreio, Parana de Dona Rosa, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 30–31.x.2003, det. Sallum, Hutchings & Sá: ProV-053664 (♂G); ProV-053667 (G); ProV-053670 (G); ProV-053674 (G); ProV-053678 (♂G); ProV-053679 (♂G); ProV-053688 (♂G). Amazonas State, Iranduba Municipality, Ramal do Lago Grande , coll. Hutchings et al. 8–10.ix.2008, det. Hutchings: IRam-000751 (♂G); IRam-000752 (♂G); IRam-000759 (♂G); IRam-000760 (♂G); IRam-000945 (♂G); IRam-002062 (♂G); IRam-002061 (♂G); IRam-002060 (♂G); IRam-001933 (♂G); IRam-001932 (♂G); IRam-001931 (♂G); IRam-001212 (♂G). Amazonas State, Juruá Municipality, Igarapé de Tamaniqua, Solimões River , coll. Hutchings et al. 19.ix.2003, det. Sallum, Hutchings & Sá: ProV-015891 (♂G); ProV-015900 (♂G). Amazonas State, Jutaí Municipality, São Raimundo , coll. Hutchings et al. 16–17.ix.2003, det. Sá 1.iii.2017: ProV-006542 (♂G). Amazonas State, Urucara Municipality, Lírio do Vale , coll. Hutchings et al. 3.xi.2003, det. Sallum, Hutchings & Sá: ProV-056752 (♂G). Synonym species Culex ruffinis: lectotype, pinned adult male in good conditions and male genitalia (USNM no. 1928), deposited in the Diptera Collection, National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, DC, USA.Distribution:Culex dunni has been found in Central and South America, including Belize [Cx. dunni was collected in the municipalities of Iranduba, Juruá, Jutaí, Manaus and Urucará, Amazonas State; in Bataguassu Municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul State; Carmo da Mata and Goianá Municipalities, Minas Gerais State; Almeirim, Juruti and Prainha Municipalities, Pará State; Cananéia, Dourado, Pariquera-Açu, and Presidente Epitácio Municipalities in São Paulo State (present study).g Belize , Brazil g Belize , Colombig Belize , 65, Cosg Belize , French g Belize , 67, Guag Belize , Mexico g Belize , 16, Nicg Belize , Panama g Belize , Surinamg Belize  and Veneg Belize , 62, 68.DescriptionFemale.Head: antenna dark, flagellum normal, whorls with 4 or 5 setae, length 1.21–1.35 (1.26) (n = 5); proboscis dark-scaled, length 0.58–1.44 (1.19) (n = 5); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 0.18–0.19 (0.19) (n = 5). Occiput with dark brown erect forked scales. Thorax: integument brown; scutum covered with narrow, bronze falcate scales; possibly with whitish scales on anterior promontory, scutal fossa, dorsocentral and supraalar areas, but not forming a pattern. Scutellar scales withish; median lobe with 5 or 6 setae; lateral lobes each with 3 or 4 setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: brown with bronzy reflections: 5–7 antepronotal, 3–5 prealar; and pleural setae golden, hyaline: 5 or 6 upper mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 lower mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 upper mesepimeral, and 1 large lower mesepimeral. Pleura with patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few white scales. Wing: dark-scaled, vein R with 2 proximal patches of white scales separated by large patch of dark scales; occasionally vein C with small proximal patch of white scales; length 2.67–3.00 (2.86) (n = 5). Halter: scabellum, pedicel and capitellum brownish. Legs: as in Cx. atratus. Abdomen: tergum I dark-scaled; terga III-VIII dark-scaled with basal bands of white scales.Male. [Figs. Head: antenna verticillate, length 1.03–1.19 (1.13) (n = 5); proboscis length 1.13–1.68 (1.45) (n = 5); maxillary palpus length 1.25–1.77 (1.51) (n = 5); palpomere III with inconspicuous whitish basal ring. Wing: length 2.49–2.76 (2.61) (n = 5). Genitalia: tergum IX lobes slightly globose, apex glabrous, median portion each with 15–20 slender, simple setae; distance between lobes smaller than half basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite oblong; proximal division of subapical lobe with 4 parallel setae : seta a more basal, narrow, with pointed apex; seta b long, spatulate, rounded apex, implanted on salient tubercle; seta c thin, slender, filiform, slightly curved, inserted between setae b and d; seta d filiform, long, spatulate, implanted on tubercle, with blunt apex. Distal division with short columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 filiform, narrow, pointed, apically inserted, subequal in size setae (seta f), 1 filiform seta with hooked apex (seta h), and 1 large, long, broad, asymmetrical, ribbed seta arising subapically (seta l); 1 saber-like, ribbed seta (seta s) arising apically. Gonocoxite with 5 slender, hyaline, short, inconspicuous setae on ventromesal surface; sternomesal surface with long, strong evenly dispersed setae. Gonostylus as in Cx. atratus, with large gonostylar claw, with slightly rounded apex. Aedeagus with ventral process of lateral plate with numerous spicules; lateral process pointed and directed dorsolaterally. Proctiger with tergum X long, sinuous, somewhat elongated in outline, inner process pointed, narrow and long.e. Figs. e, 10 EssPupa. [Figs. Cx. atratus except for followings characters. Cephalothorax: setae 1,2-CT 4- or 5-branched; seta 4-CT 3-branched; seta 8-CT 4-branched; seta 11-CT single or double; seta 12-CT double. Trumpet with pinna of median size, irregular in shape, length 0.16–0.23 (0.20) (n = 10), distal margin opposite to meatal cleft, which has a large and conspicuous emargination; tracheoid area, darker, extending 0.15–0.23 (0.20) (n = 10) from base; trumpet index 12.4–20.0 (14.5) (n = 10). Abdomen: seta 9-VIII with 2 simple branches; paddle index 1.56–1.95 (1.71) (n = 10).a. Figs. c, 4c SimLarva. [Figs. Cx. atratus except for followings characters. Head: length 0.64–0.79 (0.74) (n = 10), width 1.02–1.16 (1.11) (n = 5). Antennal length 0.48–0.57 (0.54) (n = 10). Seta 1-A inserted 0.34–0.38 (0.37) (n = 10) from antennal base; seta 14-C double, strong. Abdomen: comb of segment VIII with 25–35 scales of similar size arranged in 3 or 4 rows. Segment X length 0.31–0.35 (0.34) (n = 10), siphon/saddle index 3.36–4.22 (3.87) (n = 10). Siphon: long, slender, index 6.2–8.9 (7.4) (n = 10); pecten with 12 marginal spines as from on basal 0.30. Seta 1-S with 4 ventral pairs and 6 dorsal pairs.a. Figs. c, 6c In Bionomics. Immature specimens of Cx. dunni were collected in permanent and semi-permanent partially shaded ground habitats, with slightly turbid water, associated with herbaceous vegetation such as Pistia sp. The larvae were collected in remnants of the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil and in transition areas between the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest biomes, in association with Cx. ensiformis and Cx. comptus n. sp.RemarksCulex dunni was described by Dyar [Cx. dunni to be identical to Cx. ensiformis of Bonne-Wepster & Bonne based on characteristics of the male genitalia. Bonne & Bonne-Wepster [Cx. dunni with Cx. ensiformis, and that Cx. ensiformis can be distinguished from Cx. dunni by the crescent-shaped plate at base of gonocoxite and the pattern of scales on the scutum. Dyar & Shannon [Cx. ruffinis from an adult male from Barro Colorado Island, Canal Zone, Panama. Komp [Cx. ruffinis with Cx. dunni, considering a possible misinterpretation of some features of the male genitalia in the original description. In addition, the author hypothesized that the male genitalia of Cx. commevynensis were similar to those of Cx. dunni, and that the differences noted by Bonne-Wepster & Bonne [Cx. dunni to a probable confusion with Cx. ensiformis, considered by them as a morphologically close species. Rozeboom & Komp [Cx. commevynensis possesses “a hair-like” seta on the proximal division of the subapical lobe, while Cx. dunni has several “spines” in that position, distinguishing the species. Later, Foote [Cx. commevynensis and suspected that this species was not valid; this author considered Cx. dunni, Cx. commevynensis and Cx. zeteki to be closely related species. Although there has been intense discussion about the taxonomy of Cx. dunni, this species bears characteristics that clearly differ from the other species of the Atratus Group, especially with regard to features of the male genitalia and of the immature forms. The male genitalia of Cx. dunni differ from those of Cx. ensiformis and Cx. commevynensis in having four parallel setae on the proximal division of the subapical lobe while the other species have only two setae. Culex dunni has a long seta l in the distal division of the subapical lobe and Cx. ensiformis has a short seta. Culex dunni also differs in possessing several spicules on the ventral process of the lateral plate and in having tergum X appearing long, sinuous and elongated in outline while Cx. ensiformis and Cx. commevynensis have a lateral plate without spicules and a shorter tergum X. Based on larval characteristics, Cx. dunni differs from Cx. ensiformis in having subequal comb scales; double and strong seta 14-C, and short pecten spines with a conspicuously serrate border. Additionally, Cx. dunni differs from Cx. ensiformis and the other species in having a pinna of median size and a conspicuous emargination on the distal margin opposite the meatal cleft. With respect to adult specimens, both Cx. dunni and Cx. ensiformis bear a patch of pale scales separated by dark scales on the base of vein R and occasionally a small pale patch on the base of vein C. However, Cx. dunni has bronze scales on the scutum, not forming a pattern and in the male, an inconspicuous whitish basal ring on palpomere III, different to what is observed in Cx. ensiformis, which possesses scutal scales with different colour that form a pattern and palpomere III of the male dark-scaled. by Dyar  from spe by Dyar , conside-Wepster  mentione Shannon  describema. Komp  synonymi & Bonne  were the & Bonne  attributm & Komp  verifiedr, Foote  describeCulex(Melanoconion)ensiformisBonne-Wepster & Bonne, 19191919Culex (Melanoconion) ensiformis Bonne-Wepster & Bonne, 1919: 176 [919: 176   ensiformis of Dyar (1923: 188) [Cx. dunni); Bonne & Wepster-Bonne (1925: 272) [Cx. zeteki); Foote (1954: 97) [Cx. zeteki, lectotype desig.); Pecor et al. (1992: 25) [23: 188)  (synonym25: 272)  (resurre25: 272)  (♂G); Ro25: 272)  (synonym954: 97)  (resurre992: 25)  (distr.)992: 25)    (Brazil)992: 25)  (distr.)Type material: Paratypes, pinned adult male with associated larval and pupal exuviae on slide, in poor condition (USNM no. 22709-BB638) and pinned adult female with associated larval and pupal exuviae on slide (USNM no. 22709-BB625) deposited in the Diptera Collection, National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, DC, USA.Material examined: 155 specimens: 77♂G, 98Le, 143Pe, 7♂, 5♀. FSP-USP, Brazil: São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Vilarinho , coll. Sá et al. 14.vii.2015, det. Sá 2015: SP166-02 ; SP166-07 ; SP166-08 ; SP166-09 ; SP166-11 ; SP166-12 ; SP166-14 ; SP166-15 ; SP166-16 ; SP166-17 ; SP166-18 ; SP166-19 ; SP166-20 ; SP166-22 ; SP166-24 ; SP166-25 ; SP166-26 ; SP166-27 ; SP166-28 ; SP166-33 ; SP166-34 ; SP166-35 ; SP166-37 ; SP166-38 ; SP166-39 ; SP166-40 ; SP166-41 ; SP166-42 ; SP166-44 ; SP166-46 ; SP166-47 ; SP166-48 ; SP166-49 ; SP166-52 ; SP166-53 ; SP166-55 ; SP166-56 ; SP166-57 ; SP166-58 ; SP166-59 ; SP166-60 ; SP166-62 ; SP166-65 ; SP166-66 ; SP166-68 ; SP166-69 ; SP166-70 ; SP166-73 ; SP166-75 ; SP166-76 ; SP166-77 ; SP166-78 ; SP166-79 ; SP166-80 ; SP166-81 ; SP166-82 ; SP166-88 ; SP166-89 ; SP166-91 ; SP166-93 ; SP166-94 ; SP166-96 ; SP166-97 ; SP166-99 ; SP166-100 (Pe); SP166-101 (Pe); SP166-102 ; SP166-103 (Pe); SP166-105 ; SP166-111 (Pe); SP166-112 (Pe); SP166-113 ; SP166-115A (Pe); SP166-115B (Pe); SP166-117 ; SP166-118 (Pe); SP166-119 ; SP166-120 (Pe); SP166-121 ; SP166-301 ; SP166-304 ; SP166-305 ; SP166-311 ; SP166-313 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Folha Larga Farm , coll. Sá et al. 14.vii.2015, det. Sá 2015: SP167-07 ; SP167-09 ; SP167-10 ; SP167-13 ; SP167-16 ; SP167-17 ; SP167-18 ; SP167-20 ; SP167-21 ; SP167-24 ; SP167-25 ; SP167-32 ; SP167-33 ; SP167-39 ; SP167-124 ; SP167-127 ; SP167-129 ; SP167-133 ; SP167-134 (Pe). São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Vilarinho , coll. Sá et al. 12.ii.2016, det. Sá 2016: SP171-07 ; SP171-08 ; SP171-09 ; SP171-10 ; SP171-11 ; SP171-12B ; SP171-111 ; SP171-118 (Pe); SP171-119 ; SP171-143 ; SP171-144 (Pe); SP171-146 (Pe); SP171-147 (Pe). B.M.M-9 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Itapitangui , coll. Forattini et al. 1983, det. Sallum 1983: HEP81-04 ; HEP81-05 (Pe); HEP 81-06 ; HEP81-07 (Pe); HEP81-08 ; HEP81-11 ; HEP81-12 (Pe); HEP81-13 ; HEP81-14 ; HEP81-15 ; HEP81-16 ; HEP81-18 ; HEP81-19 ; HEP81-20 ; HEP81-21 ; HEP81-23 ; HEP81-24 ; HEP81-25 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Itapitangui , coll. Forattini et al. 1983, det. Sallum 1983: HEP81-10 ; HEP81-31 ; HEP81-33 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, estrada de Cananéia , coll. Forattini et al. 12.ix.1984, det. Sallum 1984: HEP434-04 . Amazonas State, Humaitá Municipality, Realidade, , coll. Chaves et al. 22.vii.2016, det. Sá 2016: Coleta07-Humaitá-01 ; Coleta07-Humaitá-02 . INPA, Brazil: Amazonas State, Manaus Municipality, Acampamento Colosso, Fazenda Esteio , coll. Hutchings et al. 2002, det. Sallum & Hutchings: Fam-000631 ; Fam-000632 (♂G); Fam-002314 (♂G); Fam-002925 (♂G); Fam-002927 (♂G); Fam-002932 (♂G). Amazonas State, Manaus Municipality, Fazenda Esteio ; coll. Hutchings et al. 2003, det. Sallum & Hutchings: Fam-004667 (♂G). Amazonas, Manaus, Fazenda Esteio , coll. Hutchings et al. 2002, det. Sallum & Hutchings: Fam-003224 (♂G). Amazonas State, Manaus Municipality, Fazenda Porto Alegre, BR-174 , coll. Hutchings et al. 2002, det. Sallum & Hutchings: Fam-003557 (♂G). Amazonas State, Manaus Municipality, Fazenda Porto Alegre, BR-174 , coll. Hutchings et al. 2002, det. Sallum & Hutchings: Fam-002343 (♂G). USNM, Brazil: Pará State, Altamira Municipality, km 158, coll. Reinert et al. 9.xi.1974: 446Coll- 111-109 (Pe ♂); 111-133 (Pe ♀); 111-107 (Pe ♀); 111-129 (Pe ♂).Distribution:Culex ensiformis has been collected in Belize [n Belize , Bolivian Belize , Brazil n Belize , French n Belize  and SuriDescriptionFemale.Head: antenna dark, flagellum normal, whorls with 5 setae, length 1.25–1.74 (1.49) (n = 5); proboscis dark-scaled, length 1.16–1.52 (1.40) (n = 5); maxillary palpus with dark scales, length 0.24–0.31 (0.27) (n = 5). Occiput with dark brown erect forked scales. Thorax: scutum covered with narrow, bronze, and golden falcate scales on acrostichal and dorsocentral areas; occasionally whitish scales on anterior promontory, supraalar, and prescutellar areas forming a pattern. Scutellar scales whitish; median lobe with 5 or 6 dark setae; lateral lobes each with 3 or 4 setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: brown with bronzy reflections: 8 or 9 antepronotal, 4 or 5 prealar; and pleural setae golden, hyaline: 3–5 upper mesokatepisternal, 3 or 4 lower mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 upper mesepimeral and 1 large lower mesepimeral. Pleura with large patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few white scales. Wing: dark-scaled, vein R with 2 proximal patches of white scales separated by small patch of dark scales; vein C with proximal patch of white scales; wing length 2.58–3.38 (3.06) (n = 5). Halter: scabellum, pedicel and capitellum brownish. Legs: as in Cx. atratus. Abdomen: tergum I with dark scales; terga III-VII dark-scaled with basal bands of white scales; tergum VIII dark-scaled.Male. [Figs. Head: antenna verticillate, length 1.05–1.63 (1.36) (n = 5); proboscis length 1.39–1.93 (1.65) (n = 5); maxillary palpus length 1.71–2.15 (1.99) (n = 5). Wing: length 2.69–3.16 (2.88) (n = 5). Genitalia: tergum IX lobes conical, elongate, slender, with apex glabrous, median portion each with 14–20 slender, simple setae; distance between lobes equivalent to basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite oblong; proximal division of subapical lobe with 2 parallel setae (a and b): seta a more basal, narrow, slender, with pointed apex; seta b long, spatulate, with pointed apex, implanted on salient tubercle. Distal division with elongate columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 filiform, narrow, pointed, inserted apically, subequal in size (seta f), 1 filiform seta with hooked apex (seta h), and 1 short, broad, asymmetrical, ribbed seta arising subapically (seta l); 1 saber-like, ribbed seta (seta s) arising apically. Additionally, 1 small, hyaline, inconspicuous seta basally on columnar process. Gonocoxite with 3 or 4 slender, hyaline, short, inconspicuous setae on ventromesal surface. Gonostylus as Cx. atratus, with large gonostylar claw, with slightly pointed apex. Aedeagus with ventral process of lateral plate with small convexity; aedeagal sclerite with spicules on ventral surface. Proctiger with tergum X narrow, somewhat triangular in outline, with slightly pointed inner process.e. Figs. f, 11 SimPupa. [Figs. Cephalothorax: setae 1,2-CT 4- or 5-branched; seta 3-CT double; seta 4-CT 5-branched; seta 5-CT 3-branched; seta 6,7-CT 3-branched; seta 8-CT 7-branched; seta 9-CT 3-branched; seta 10-CT 6-branched; seta 11-CT double; seta 12-CT 4-branched. Trumpet long, slender, with dilated apex; pinna small, opening circular, pinna length 0.07–0.13 (0.11) (n = 10), distal margin opposite meatal cleft with shallow depression; tracheoid area extending 0.20–0.34 (0.29) (n = 10) from base; trumpet index 16.2–29.7 (24.2) (n = 10). Abdomen: seta 9-VIII with 2 simple branches; paddle index 1.49–1.95 (1.68) (n = 10).a. Figs. d, 4d CepLarva. [Figs. Head: length 0.70–0.81 (0.79) (n = 10), width 1.08–1.20 (1.13) (n = 10). Antennal length 0.62–0.70 (0.67) (n = 10); seta 1-A inserted 0.42–0.46 (0.45) (n = 10) from antennal base. Seta 5-C with 8 long branches; seta 11-C 3-branched; seta 13-C double. Abdomen: comb of segment VIII with 16–22 scales of different sizes arranged in 2 or 3 rows: upper rows with small, pointed scales; lower row with 5–9 large, pointed scales. Segment X length 0.32–0.39 (0.36) (n = 10), siphon/saddle index 4.26–4.95 (4.51) (n = 10). Siphon: long, slender, index 7.6–10.4 (9.2) (n = 10); pecten with 10 spines on basal 0.30 of siphon. Seta 1-S usually with 4 ventral pairs and 4 dorsal pairs.a. Figs. d, 6d HeaBionomics. Immature specimens of Cx. ensiformis were collected in semipermanent partially shaded groundwater habitats with herbaceous vegetation such as Pistia sp. in remnants of the Atlantic Forest in association with Cx. dunni. Adults were collected in the Amazon Forest.RemarksCulex ensiformis was described by Bonne-Wepster & Bonne [Cx. dunni. Bonne & Wepster-Bonne [Cx. dunni. According to Bonne & Wepster-Bonne [Cx. dunni and Cx. ensiformis in the same material, because Cx. ensiformis possesses morphological differences, such as the crescent-shaped lateral plate and the scale pattern of the scutum, that can distinguish it from Cx. dunni. Senevet & Abonnec [Cx. ensiformis to be close to but distinct from Cx. dunni, and resurrected it from synonymy again. Rozeboom & Komp [Cx. ensiformis with Cx. zeteki and considered the former to be a synonym of Cx. zeteki based on features of the male genitalia and the color pattern of the scales on the scutum. Likewise, Foote [Cx. ensiformis in synonymy with Cx. zeteki based on the presence of two types of comb scales in the larva. Belkin [Cx. ensiformis as a distinct species close to Cx. commevynensis but not conspecific with Cx. zeteki, and designated a lectotype male associated with larval and pupal exuviae while resurrecting Cx. ensiformis . Pecor et al. [Cx. ensiformis and Cx. commevynensis based on the morphology of the pupal stage. According to these authors, Cx. ensiformis is most readily distinguished from Cx. commevynensis and the other species belonging to Atratus Group in the pupal stage, because it bears morphological characteristics markedly unique to this species, as follows: trumpet distinctly flared at the apex and a trumpet index greater than 10. Culex zeteki has a trumpet with a smaller pinna than in Cx. ensiformis. Culex dunni has a trumpet with a larger pinna than in Cx. ensiformis and with a conspicuous emargination. Culex commevynensis has a straight pinna which is not flared apically as in Cx. ensiformis. Regarding the larval stage, Cx. ensiformis can be distinguished from the other species belonging to the group in having seta 5-C with 5 or more long branches , and comb scales of two different sizes in 2 or 3 rows . Comb scales of uneven sizes can also be found in Cx. trigeminatus; however, Cx. ensiformis differs from Cx. trigeminatus in having a few large scales and in having seta 5-C with long branches reaching the base of seta 6-C. Adults of Cx. ensiformis can be distinguished from the other species in possessing vein R with two proximal patches of white scales separated by small patch of dark scales, vein C with a proximal patch of white scales and the scutum with a pattern of whitish, bronze and golden scales, whereas Cx. zeteki has entirely dark-scaled wings, Cx. trigeminatus has a single large patch of whitish scales on vein R, Cx. dunni has two short patches of whitish scales on vein R and Cx. comptus n. sp. has dark and whitish scales on the scutum. Regarding male genitalia, Cx. ensiformis can be readily distinguished from Cx. dunni, Cx. zeteki and Cx. trigeminatus in having two parallel spatulate setae on the proximal division of the subapical lobe and conspicuous spicules on the ventral surface of the aedeagal sclerite. Culex ensiformis differs from Cx. comptus n. sp. in having a short columnar process and a short seta l on the distal division of the subapical lobe. & Bonne  from adu & Bonne  synonymier-Bonne  resurrecer-Bonne , Dyar ma Abonnec  considerm & Komp  comparede, Foote  maintain. Belkin  considerr et al.  providedCulex(Melanoconion)exedrusRoot, 19271927Culex (Melanoconion) exedrus Root, 1927: 580 [927: 580   exedrus of Dyar (1928: 341) [Cx. ruffinis); Rozeboom & Komp (1950: 89) [Cx. dunni), Stone & Knight (1957: 49) [ of Dyar 28: 341 [950: 89)  (synonym957: 49)  , in poor condition, with dissected genitalia on slide (USNM no. 30-1) deposited in the Diptera Collection, National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, DC, USA.Distribution:Culex exedrus has been collected in the Porto das Caixas and Paracambi municipalities, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil [, Brazil .Description Male. [Fig. Cx. dunni, except as follows: Genitalia: gonocoxite with long, strong setae, aligned from base to apex on sternomesal surface. Proximal division of subapical lobe with 3 parallel setae : seta a inserted basally, narrow; seta b long, spatulate, borne on salient tubercle; seta c filiform, long, spatulate, borne on small tubercle, apex blunt; and 1 saber-like, ribbed seta (seta s) with broad apex, arising apically. Proctiger with tergum X long, sinuous, somewhat elongate in outline, inner process pointed, long and wide.le. Fig.  EssentiaFemale. Not examined.Pupa and larva. Unknown.Bionomics. Immatures of Cx. exedrus were collected in ground water sites such as river margins, lagoons and ponds, associated with thick aquatic vegetation [getation .RemarksCulex exedrus was described by Root [Cx. exedrus with Cx. ruffinis Dyar & Shannon [Cx. exedrus as a junior synonym of Cx. dunni and maintained this taxonomic status until Cx. exedrus was resurrected from synonymy. Culex exedrus can be distinguished from Cx. dunni by features of the male genitalia, mainly a large number of long setae visibly lined up on the sternomesal surface of the gonocoxite; additionally, Cx. exedrus has seta s of the gonocoxite with a wider apex and a proctiger with the inner process of tergum X wider than in Cx. dunni. by Root  based on by Root  synonymi Shannon . Rozeboo Shannon  considerCulex(Melanoconion)longisetosusSá & Sallum n. sp.Type locality: Pariquera-Açu Municipality , São Paulo State, Brazil. Adults were collected in the Atlantic Forest and in seasonally flooded várzea forests along the Amazonas and Solimões Rivers.Other localities: Pariquera-Açu Municipality, São Paulo State; Santo Antônio do Içá, Jutaí, Coari and Itacoatiara municipalities, Amazonas State; and, in Juruti and Almeirim municipalities, Pará State, Brazil.Type material: Holotype, pinned adult male with associated dissected genitalia on slide , with following collection data: Brazil, São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality , coll. Forattini et al., 11.i.1979, with Shannon trap, deposited in the Coleção Entomológica de Referência, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP-USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil. Paratypes: 7 pinned adult males with associated dissected genitalia on slide from same collection as holotype and deposited in FSP-USP: specimen field no. 2661, accession no. FSP-USP E-15900 (coll. 10.vi.1980), specimen field no. 2695, accession no. FSP-USP E-15892 (coll. 17.vi.1980), specimen field no. 2756, accession no. FSP-USP E-15893 (coll. 11.xii.1980), specimen field no. 02, accession no. FSP-USP E-15894 (coll. 9.ii.1981), specimen field no. 2173, accession no. FSP-USP E-15895 (coll. 10.ii.1981), specimen field no. 01, accession no. FSP-USP E-15896 (coll. 29.i.1981), and specimen field no. 2967, accession no. FSP-USP E-15897 (coll. 12.iii.1981); 1 pinned adult male with associated dissected genitalia on slide , with following collection data: Brazil, São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality, Experimental Farm, 7.v.1984; 1 pinned adult male with associated dissected genitalia on slide , with following collection data: Brazil, São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality, Pariquera-Mirim district  on 2-II-1985, both deposited in the FSP-USP; and 5 pinned adult males with associated dissected genitalia on separate slides, from different locations: specimen field no. ProV-053607, accession no. INPA-DIP 004574, with following collection data: Brazil, Pará State, Juruti, Recreio, Parana de Dona Rosa, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 30-31.x.2003, det. Sallum & Hutchings 2016; specimen field no. ProV-047936, accession no. INPA-DIP 004575, with following collection data: Brazil, Pará State, Almeirim Municipality, Arumanduba, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 19-20.x.2003, det Sallum, Hutchings & Sá 2017; specimen field no. ProV-005165, accession no. INPA-DIP 004576, with following collection data: Brazil, Amazonas State, Santo Antônio do Içá Municipality, Parana do Canini, Solimões River , coll. Hutchings et al. 15-16.ix.2003, det. Hutchings & Sá 2017; specimen field no. ProV-044118, accession no. INPA-DIP 004577, with following collection data: Brazil, Amazonas State, Coari Municipality, Ilha do Botija, Trocaris, Solimões River , coll. Hutchings et al. 25-26.ix.2003, det. Hutchings & Sá 2017; specimen field no. ProV-057487, accession no. INPA-DIP 004573) with following collection data: Brazil, Amazonas State, Itacoatiara Municipality, São Jorge, Parana da Eva, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 7-8.ix.2003, det. Hutchings & Sá 2017, all deposited in the Coleção de Invertebrados, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil.Material examined: 3 G♂, 3 ♂. INPA, Brazil: Pará State, Juruti Municipality, Recreio, Parana de Dona Rosa, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 30–31.x.2003, det. Sallum & Hutchings 2016: ProV-053597 (♂G). Pará State, Almeirim Municipality, Arumanduba, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 19–20.x.2003, det. Sallum, Hutchings & Sá 2017: ProV-047940 (♂G). Amazonas State, Jutaí Municipality, São Raimundo, Parana do Cervalho, Solimões River , coll. Hutchings et al. 16-17.ix.2003, det. Hutchings & Sá 2017: ProV-007278 (♂G).ZooBank registration: The Life Science Identifier (LSID) for Culex (Melanoconion) longisetosus n. sp. is urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 2F0C0B21-08FE-458E-94D3-EB8D2550B5C8.Etymology: The name longisetosus is derived from a combination of the Latin noun saeta, meaning “seta, bristle” and with the Latin adjective lātus, meaning “extensive, broad”. Culex longisetosus is named in reference to the four long and spatulate setae borne ventromesally between the proximal and distal divisions of the subapical lobe of the male genitalia.Description Male. [Figs. Head: antennal length 1.02–1.71 (1.25) (n = 5); proboscis entirely dark-scaled, length 1.04–1.65 (1.43) (n = 5); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 1.32–1.98 (1.71) (n = 4); palpomere II with small, basal patch of whitish scales; palpomere III with inconspicuous proximal patch of whitish scales; palpomeres IV and V dark-scaled, with long, strong setae. Occiput with dark brown, erect forked scales. Thorax: scutum covered with narrow, dark brown falcate scales, except anterior promontory and prescutellar area with whitish scales. Median scutellar lobe with 6 dark large setae; lateral lobes each with 4 setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: dark brown: 3–5 antepronotal, 4 or 5 prealar; and pleural pale golden, slender setae: 4 upper mesokatepisternal, 5 lower mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 upper mesepimeral; lower mesepimeron with 1 long, strong seta. Pleura with distinct patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few white scales. Wing: dark-scaled; length 2.37–2.49 (2.45) (n = 5). Halter: scabellum and pedicel whitish, capitellum whitish with few brown scales. Legs: coxae pale; ventral surface of fore- and midfemur with longitudinal stripe of white scales; tibiae dark-scaled; joints of femur-tibia and tibia-tarsomere I with ring of pale scales; tarsi entirely dark-scaled. Abdomen: tergum I with dark scales; terga III-VII dark-scaled, with white basal bands. Genitalia: tergum IX lobes elongate, each with 12–14 slender, apically bifid, and simple setae in median portion; apex glabrous; distance between lobes less than basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite oblong, narrow, small; subapical lobe divided into 2 columnar divisions; proximal division with 2 pointed setae (a and b); seta a shorter, slender, inserted basal to seta b; seta b spatulate, robust; gonocoxite with 4 long, spatulate setae on ventromesal surface; distal division with long columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 filiform, narrow, pointed, different in size (seta f), 1 long seta with hooked apex (seta h), and 1 large, broad, asymmetrical seta arising subapically (seta l); 1 saberlike seta (seta s) arising apically. Gonostylus with apex moderately rounded, short leaf-like gonostylar claw borne apically. Aedeagus with ventral process with small convexity.e. Figs. g, 13 HeaRemarksCx. longisetosus n. sp. differ from Cx. atratus in possessing an inconspicuous basal patch of whitish scales on palpomere III and a small basal patch of whitish scales on palpomere II. The male genitalia of Cx. longisetosus n. sp. can be distinguished from those of other species of the Atratus Group in having a long columnar process in the distal division, elongate and slightly widened from the base to the apex of the ninth tergal lobe, and 4 long, spatulate setae on the ventromesal surface of the gonocoxite.Adults of Culex(Melanoconion)longistylusSá & Sallum n. sp.Type locality: Dourado Municipality , São Paulo State, Brazil. Adults were collected in transitional vegetation areas between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, and in seasonally flooded várzea forest areas along the Amazon River.Other localities: Dourado and Presidente Epitácio municipalities, São Paulo State; Bataguassu Municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul State; Senador Guiomard Municipality, Acre State; Itacoatiara Municipality, Amazonas State; Almeirim, Prainha, Obidos, Santarém and Juruti municipalities, Pará State.Type material: Holotype male pinned with associated dissected genitalia on slide , with following collection data: Brazil, São Paulo State, Dourado Municipality , coll. Forattini et al. 2.ix.1980, with CDC light trap at the edge of the forest, deposited in the Coleção Entomológica de Referência, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP-USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil. Paratypes: 1 pinned adult male with dissected genitalia on slide , from the same collection as the holotype and deposited in the same institution (FSP-USP); 1 pinned adult male with dissected genitalia on slide , with following collection data: Brazil, Pará State, Santarém Municipality, Parana de Ituqui, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 25–26.x.2003, det. Hutchings 2015; 2 pinned adult males with dissected genitalia on separate slides , with following collection data: Brazil, Acre State, Senador Guiomard Municipality, Fazenda Experimental Catuaba, UFAC, BR-364 km 23 , coll. Hutchings & Carmo 23–24.viii.2016, Sá 3.iii.2017; 2 pinned adult males with dissected genitalia on separate slides , with following collection data: Brazil, Pará State, Almeirim Municipality, Paraíso, Paranaquara, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 21–22.x.2003, det. Hutchings 2015, deposited in the Coleção de Invertebrados, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil.Material examined: 50 G♂, 2 ♂. FSP-USP, Brazil: São Paulo State, Presidente Epitácio Municipality, Peixe River , coll. Gomes et al. 10.xii.1997, det. Sá 2015: LAM. no. 01 (♂G); LAM. no. 02 (♂G). São Paulo State, Presidente Epitácio Municipality, João Baiano Farm , coll. Gomes et al. 2.v.1998, det. Sá 2015: LAM. no.05 (♂G); LAM. no. 06 (♂G); LAM. no. 07 (♂G). São Paulo State, Presidente Epitácio Municipality, Campinal , coll. Gomes et al. 4.i.1999, det. Sá 2015: LAM. no. 03 (♂G). Mato Grosso do Sul State, Bataguassu Municipality, Romualdo Farm , coll. Gomes et al. 2.viii.1997, det. Sá 2015: LAM. no. 08 (♂G). INPA, Brazil: Pará State, Almeirim Municipality, Arumanduba, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 19–20.x.2003, Hutchings and Sallum det.: ProV-047634 (♂G); ProV-047673 (♂G); ProV-047692 (♂G); ProV-047764 (♂G); ProV-047962 (♂G). Pará State, Prainha Municipality, Fazenda JK, Parana do Mouratuba, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 22–23.x.2003, det. Hutchings 2015: ProV-048997 ; ProV-049054 (♂G); ProV-048945 (♂G). Pará State, Prainha Municipality, Boca do Rio Curuauna, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 24-25.x.2003, det. Hutchings 2015: ProV-049608 . Pará State, Almeirim Municipality, Paraíso, Paranaquara, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 2003, det. Hutchings 2015: ProV-055464 ; ProV-055376 . Pará State, Obidos Municipality, Ilha do Amador “Ilha Grande”, Parana do Capivara, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 29–30.x.2003, det. Hutchings 2015: ProV-050860 (♂G); ProV-050878 (♂G); ProV-050909 (♂G); ProV-050910 (♂G); ProV-050943 (♂G); ProV-050964 (♂G); ProV-050974 (♂G); ProV-050978 (♂G); ProV-050982 (♂G); ProV-051027 (♂G); ProV-051033 (♂G); ProV-051049 (♂G); ProV-051053 (♂G); ProV-051055 (♂G); ProV-051079 (♂G); ProV-051092 (♂G); ProV-051104 (♂G); ProV-051106 (♂G); ProV-051181 (♂G). Pará State, Juruti Municipality, Recreio, Parana de Dona Rosa, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 30–31.x.2003, det. Hutchings 2015: ProV-053577 (♂G); ProV-053593 (♂G); ProV-053599 (♂G); ProV-053600 (♂G); ProV-053618 (♂G); ProV-053657 (♂G); ProV-053668 (♂G); ProV-053683 (♂G). Amazonas State, Itacoatiara Municipality, São Jorge, Parana da Eva, Amazon River , coll. Hutchings et al. 7–8.xi.2003, det. Hutchings 2015: ProV-057494 (♂G); ProV-057497 (♂G). USNM, Ecuador: (as Cx. ensiformis), coll. 3.xii.1981: EC8-1263(n 866) (♂G). Brazil: São Paulo State, Iguape Municipality (as Cx. ensiformis), coll. unknown, det. S.S. 1987: no. 050977-14 (♂G); São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality (as Cx. ensiformis) coll. unknown, det. S.S. 1987: no. 050977-15 (♂G).ZooBank registration: The Life Science Identifier (LSID) for Culex (Melanoconion) longistylus n. sp. is urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:C0FD06D0-B7E2-4775-A8BB-DC776858132F.Etymology: The specific epithet longistylus is a combination of the Latin adjective longus (long) and the Latin noun stylus , in reference to the long columnar process in the distal division of the subapical lobe of the male genitalia.DescriptionMale. [Figs. Head: antennal length 0.92–1.47 (1.23) (n = 6); proboscis entirely dark-scaled, length 1.23–1.64 (1.48) (n = 6); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 1.40–2.23 (1.73) (n = 6). Occiput with dark brown erect forked scales. Thorax: scutum covered with narrow, dark brown falcate scales, except prescutellar area with whitish scales. Median scutellar lobe with 6 large, dark setae; lateral lobes each with 4 setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: dark brown with bronzy reflections: 3–6 antepronotal; 3–5 prealar; and pleural setae golden, hyaline: 4 or 5 upper mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 lower mesokatepisternal; 5 upper mesepimeral; lower mesepimeron with 1 long, strong seta. Pleura with patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few scales, extending dorsally on posterior margin. Wing: mostly dark-scaled, sometimes with minute patch of white scales at proximal end of vein C; length 2.08–2.45 (2.27) (n = 6). Halter: scabellum and pedicel whitish; capitellum pale brown with few golden scales. Legs: coxae pale; ventral surface of fore- and midfemur with longitudinal stripe of white scales; tibiae dark-scaled; joints of fermur-tibia and tibia-tarsomere I with ring of pale scales; tarsi entirely dark-scaled. Abdomen: tergum I with dark scales, terga III–VII dark-scaled with white basal bands. Genitalia: tergum IX as illustrated ; seta a short, slender, inserted basal to seta b; seta b spatulate; gonocoxite with 3 short filiform setae with pointed apices on ventromesal surface; distal division with long columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 narrow, filiform, apically pointed setae, subequal in size (seta f), 1 long seta with hook-like apex (seta h), and 1 large, broad, ribbed asymmetrical seta arising subapically (seta l); 1 saber-like seta (seta s) arising apically. Gonostylus slender, slightly curved, tapering towards apex, apex moderately blunt, ventral surface with 2 apical hyaline setae; 1 short leaf-like gonostylar claw. Aedeagus with sclerotized, slightly pointed, dorsolaterally directed lateral process; ventral process straight; apical process convex. Proctiger with tergum X somewhat triangular in outline, inner process pointed. Paraproct elongate, crown with 9 or 10 simple blades. Cercal sclerite with 1 seta.e. Figs. h, 14 HeaRemarksCulex longistylus n. sp. differ from the adults of Cx. atratus in having dark-scaled wings, occasionally with an inconspicuous patch of white scales on the base of vein C, and dark-scaled terga III-VII with white basal bands. Based on male genitalia, Cx. longistylus n. sp. can be distinguished from the other species of the Atratus Group in possessing fine, subapically bifid setae interspersed with simple setae on tergum IX lobes, a long columnar process of the distal division with a large, broad and ribbed seta, lateral plate of the phallosome with a straight ventral process, and 3 short filiform setae on the ventromesal surface of the gonocoxite.Adults of Culex(Melanoconion)loturusDyar, 19251925Culex (Melanoconion) loturus Dyar, 1925: 241 [925: 241  (♂) holoCulex (Melanoconion) loturus of Dyar (1928: 342) [Cx. zeteki). of Dyar 28: 342 [28: 342)  , in poor condition, with associated genitalia on slide (USNM no. 30-1) deposited in the Diptera Collection, National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, DC, USA.Distribution:Culex loturus was collected in Venezuela at the margin of the Catatumbo River [bo River .DescriptionMale. [Fig. Cx. zeteki, except as follows: Genitalia: distal division of subapical lobe with median columnar process; seta l large, long, asymmetrical, ribbed; aedeagus with apical process of lateral plate pointed, without ripples.le. Fig.  EssentiaFemale, pupa and larva. Unknown.RemarksCulex loturus was described by Dyar [Cx. loturus and in Cx. zeteki he mentioned the presence of two appendages. Komp [Cx. loturus with Cx. zeteki Dyar [Cx. loturus which are identical to those of Cx. zeteki. Although Cx. loturus bears three setae on the proximal division, this species can be distinguished from Cx. zeteki in possessing a large subapical seta l on the distal division, and a slender apical process of the lateral plate that lacks ripples. by Dyar  based on by Dyar  mentionees. Komp  synonymieki Dyar  based onCulex(Melanoconion)spiniferSá & Sallum n. sp.Type locality: Pariquera-Açu Municipality , São Paulo State, Brazil. Adults were collected in the southeastern Atlantic Forest.Type material: Holotype, pinned adult male with dissected genitalia on slide (accession no. FSP-USP E-15901), with following collection data: Brazil, São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality , coll. Forattini et al. 6.iii.1980, det. Sallum 1980, deposited in the Coleção Entomológica de Referência, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP-USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil. Paratypes: 1 pinned adult male with dissected genitalia on slide (accession no. FSP-USP E-15902) from the same collection as the holotype; 1 pinned adult male with dissected genitalia on slide (accession no. FSP-USP E-15903), coll. Forattini et al. 19.iv.1979, det. Sallum 1980; 1 pinned adult male with dissected genitalia on slide (accession no. FSP-USP E-15904), coll. Forattini et al. 6.ix.1980, det. Sallum 1980, all deposited in FSP-USP.ZooBank registration: The Life Science Identifier (LSID) for Culex (Melanoconion) spinifer n. sp. is urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:4C1F6F37-F488-4EBF-9F69-3523902A29F1.Etymology: From the Latin adjective spinifer meaning spiny. Culex spinifer is named in reference to the spicules present on the ventral process of the lateral plate of the aedeagus.DescriptionMale. [Figs. Head: antennal length 1.41–1.71 (1.59) (n = 4); proboscis dark-scaled, with inconspicuous median, dorsal patch of whitish scales; proboscis length 1.41–1.66 (1.52) (n = 4); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 2.28–2.05 (2.15) (n = 4); palpomere II with inconspicuous basal patch of whitish scales; palpomere III with small basal patch of whitish scales; palpomere IV with inconspicuous basal patch of whitish scales; palpomere V dark-scaled, with long, strong setae. Occiput with dark brown forked erect scales. Thorax: integument dark brown; scutum with narrow, dark brown forked scales, mainly on median prescutellar area and median scutal fossa; with whitish scales on anterior promontory and other prescutellar areas. Median scutellar lobe with 6 large, dark setae; lateral lobes each with 3 or 4 setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: dark brown: 3–6 antepronotal, 3 or 4 prealar; and pleural pale golden, slender setae: 4 or 5 upper mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 lower mesokatepisternal, 4 or 5 upper mesepimeral; lower mesepimeron with 1 strong, long seta. Pleura with distinct patch of broad, white scales on upper mesokatepisternum; lower mesokatepisternum with few white scales. Wing: dark-scaled, with inconspicuous basal patch of whitish scales on vein C; large basal patch of whitish scales on vein R; wing length 2.93–2.65 (2.79) (n = 4). Halter: scabellum, pedicel and capitellum whitish. Legs: coxae pale; ventral surface of fore- and midfemur with a longitudinal stripe of white scales; tibiae dark-scaled; joints of femur-tibia and tibia-tarsomere I with ring of pale scales; tarsi entirely dark-scaled. Abdomen: tergum I with dark scales; terga III-VII dark-scaled, with basal bands of white scales. Genitalia: tergum IX lobes elongate, each with 7–10 slender simple setae and few apically bifid setae in median portion, apex glabrous. Distance between lobes equivalent to basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite oblong, small; subapical lobe divided into 2 columnar divisions; proximal division with 2 pointed setae (a and b); seta a shorter, slender, inserted basal to seta b; seta b spatulate, robust and stronger than seta a; gonocoxite with 2 or 3 short, pointed, hyaline setae on ventromesal surface; distal division with short columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 narrow filiform, apically pointed setae of different in sizes (seta f), 1 longer hook-like seta (seta h), and 1 short, broad, asymmetrical seta arising subapically (seta l); 1 saber-like seta (seta s) arising apically. Gonostylus with broad leaf-like gonostylar claw with pointed apex, arising apically. Aedeagus with ventral process slightly convex and with spicules. Proctiger with tergum X with slightly pointed inner process.e. Figs. i, 16 HeaRemarksCulex spinifer n. sp. has spicules on the ventral process of the lateral plate similar to Cx. dunni. However, Cx. spinifer n. sp. differs from Cx. dunni in having elongate and slender ninth tergal lobes. Moreover, it has only two filiform setae on the proximal division of the subapical lobe and a somewhat triangular-shaped tergum X. Culex spinifer n. sp. differs from Cx. comptus n. sp., Cx. longisetosus n. sp. and Cx. longistylus n. sp. by having a short columnar process on the proximal division of the subapical lobe, a broad seta l, however shorter than filaments of seta f, and a large and broad gonostylar claw. Additionally, adults of Cx. spinifer n. sp. differ from those of Cx. caribeanus and Cx. trigeminatus in having the femora without pre-apical whitish rings and palpomere II with an inconspicuous proximal patch of whitish scales.Culex(Melanoconion)trigeminatusClastrier, 19701970Culex (Melanoconion) trigeminatus, Clastrier 1970: 473 [970: 473  (♂) holoCulex (Melanoconion) trigeminatus of Pecor et al. (1992: 27) [992: 27)  (distr.)992: 27)  (distr.)Type material: Holotype, pinned adult male from Forêt du Gallion, French Guiana, collected on 19–20.iv.1968 , deposited in the Museum National dʼHistoire Naturelle (MNHN), Paris, France.Material examined: 56 specimens: 40 G♂, 24 Le, 37 Pe. FSP-USP, Brazil: São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality, Braço Magro, coll. Sá et al. 2014, 20.viii.2014, det. Sá 2014: SP152-01 ; SP152-02 ; SP152-03 ; SP152-04 ; SP152-05 ; SP152-09 ; SP152-12 ; SP152-14 ; SP152-15 ; SP152-19 ; SP152-100 ; SP152-101 ; SP152-102 ; SP152-104 ; SP152-105 ; SP152-106 ; SP152-107 ; SP152-108 . São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality, road to Braço Magro farm, Lagoon in forest environment, coll. Sá et al. 2014, 16.ix.2014, det. Sá 2014: SP157-03 ; SP157-08 ; SP157-10 ; SP157-12 ; SP157-16 ; SP157-18 ; SP157-19 ; SP157-101 ; SP157-104 ; SP157-107 . São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality, road to Braço Magro farm, stream on forest A, coll. Sá et al. 16.ix.2014, det. Sá 2014: SP158A-01 ; SP158A-08 ; SP158A-09 ; SP158A-16 . São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality, Braço Magro, Lagoon, coll. Sá et al. 2016, det. Sá 2016: SP184-22 (♂G). São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Taquari , coll. Forattini et al. 25.iii.1980, det. Sallum 1980: no. 241 ; no. 225 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Itapuã Farm , coll. Forattini et al. 6.iv.1981, det. Sallum 1981: no. 136 . São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality , coll. Forattini et al. 8.i.1981, det. Sallum 1981: no. 2242 ; no. 2491 . São Paulo State, Iguape Municipality , coll. Forattini et al. 6.x.1982, det. Sallum 1982: no. 3251 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Folha Larga Farm − 24.89273, − 47.919048), coll. Forattini et al. 19.iv.1983, det. Sallum 1983: no. 3470 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Vilarinho farm , coll. Forattini et al. 7.ii.1984, det. Sallum 1984: no. 3515 . São Paulo State, Cananéia Municipality, Itapitangui , coll. Forattini et al. 11.iv.1985, det. Sallum 1985: EP035-01 , EP035-08 .Distribution:Culex trigeminatus has been collected in Brazil and French Guiana [h Guiana . In Brazh Guiana , Cananéih Guiana , Pará StDescriptionFemale.Head: antennal length 1.28–1.70 (1.46) (n = 5); proboscis dark-scaled, with median, dorsal patch of whitish scales, length 1.23–1.33 (1.28) (n = 5); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 0.21–0.25 (0.23) (n = 5). Occiput with erect, forked, pale brown scales. Thorax: scutum with narrow, dark brown to black falcate scales and narrow, whitish falcate scales on scutal fossa, dorsocentral, anterior promontory and supraalar areas forming a pattern. Scutellar scales whitish, median lobe with 5 or 6 setae, lateral lobes each with 3 setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: dark brown: 4–6 antepronotal, 4 or 5 prealar; and pleural setae golden: 4 upper mesokatepisternal, 3 or 4 lower mesokatepisternal, 4 upper mesepimeral, 1 large lower mesepimeral. Pleura with distinct patch of broad, whitish scales. Wing: dark-scaled, vein C with small proximal patch of whitish scales, vein R with large proximal patch of whitish scales; wing length 2.63–2.84 (2.67) (n = 5). Halter: scabellum, pedicel and capitellum pale brown. Legs: fore- and midfemur with conspicuous preapical ring of white scales. Abdomen: terga II-VII with basal bands of white scales, tergum VIII dark-scaled.Male. [Figs. Head: antenna verticillate, length 0.96–1.12 (1.11) (n = 5); proboscis dark-scaled, with median patch of whitish scales, proboscis length 1.47–1.63 (1.53) (n = 5); maxillary palpus length 1.71–2.28 (1.96) (n = 5), palpomere III with basal patch of whitish scales; palpomeres IV and V with small basal patch of whitish scales. Wing: length 2.32–2.81 (2.51) (n = 5). Genitalia: tergum IX lobes with convex outer edge, apex glabrous, median portion each with 20–22 slender, simple setae; distance between lobes shorter than half basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite narrow, oblong; proximal division with 4 parallel setae : seta a more basal, spoon-shaped; seta b robust, spatulate, inserted on tubercle; seta c thin, slender, filiform, inserted between setae b and d; seta d borne on tubercle apical to seta b, filiform, long, with slightly narrowed apex. Distal division with medium-sized, elongate columnar process, with 5 setae: 3 filiform, narrow, pointed, apically inserted, subequal sized (seta f), 1 filiform, hook-like apex (seta h), and 1 large, broad, asymmetrical ribbed seta with apex slightly pointed on median portion, arising subapically (seta l); and 1 saber-like, ribbed seta (seta s) arising apically. Gonocoxite with slender, hyaline, short, inconspicuous setae on ventromesal surface. Gonostylus as in Cx. atratus, except for dorsal surface of the apex which may bear 2 or 3 superficial, inconspicuous emarginations. Lateral plate of aedeagus with rounded apical process, ventral process with short pointed projection directed ventrobasally. Proctiger with tergum X somewhat triangular in outline, inner process pointed and short.e. Figs. j, 17 EssPupa. [Figs. Cephalothorax: seta 4-CT 3-branched; seta 5-CT 4-branched; seta 8-CT 6-branched; seta 12-CT 3- or 4- branched. Trumpet long, slender; pinna small, opening circular, pinna length 0.05–0.08 (0.06) (n = 9), distal margin opposite meatal cleft with small notch; tracheoid area extending 0.15–0.25 (0.22) (n = 9) from base; trumpet index 14.8–30.5 (20.9) (n = 9). Abdomen: seta 9-VIII with 2 simple branches; paddle index 1.40–1.71 (1.50) (n = 9).a. Figs. e, 4e CepLarva. [Figs. Head: length 0.65–0.73 (0.69) (n = 9), width 1.05–1.12 (1.09) (n = 9). Antennal length 0.52–0.63 (0.56) (n = 9); seta 1-A inserted 0.39–0.46 (0.41) (n = 9) from antennal base. Seta 5-C with 5 short branches not reaching 6-C insertion; seta 10-C 4-branched; seta 13-C 3-branched. Abdomen: comb of segment VIII with 18–22 scales of different sizes arranged in 2 or 3 irregular rows: upper rows with small, pointed scales; lower row with 7–9 large, pointed scales. Segment X length 0.30–0.36 (0.33) (n = 9), siphon/saddle index 4.62–5.28 (4.88) (n = 9). Siphon: long, slender, index 7.7–13.0 (10.8) (n = 9); pecten with 13 spines on basal 0.30 of siphon. Seta 1-S usually with 4 ventral pairs and 2 dorsal pairs.a. Figs. e, 6e HeaBionomics. Immatures of Cx. trigeminatus were collected in large, shaded lagoons with aquatic vegetation and, in small, flooded, shaded depressions and floodplain terraces of streams in Atlantic Forest, associated with Cx. albinensis and Cx. zeteki.RemarksCulex trigeminatus was described by Clastrier [Culex trigeminatus is more closely related to Cx. caribeanus within the Atratus Group, especially regarding adult specimens. However, Cx. trigeminatus differs from Cx. caribeanus in having palpomeres I and II dark-scaled, palpomere III with small basal whitish patch, palpomeres IV and V with inconspicuous whitish basal patches, and wings with proximal patches of white scales on veins C and R. The male genitalia of Cx. trigeminatus differ from those of Cx. caribeanus by having the median portion of the apex of seta l  slightly pointed, robust and with blunt apex and proximal division with seta b strong, the lateral plate of the aedeagus having a rounded apical process and a ventral process with short, pointed projection directed ventrobasally. Fourth-instar larvae of Cx. trigeminatus differ from those of the other species of the Atratus Group by having seta 5-C with short branches that do not reach the insertion of seta 6-C and a siphon with only two pairs of dorsal setae. Furthermore, Cx. trigeminatus differs from Cx. ensiformis in possessing strongly serrated comb scales and short pecten spines. With respect to pupae, Cx. trigeminatus can be distinguished from the other species by having a slender trumpet and with the pinna small and appearing heart-shaped in dorsal view.lastrier  based onCulex(Melanoconion)zetekiDyar, 19181918Culex (Melanoconion) zeteki Dyar, 1918: 122 [Cx. zeteci) deposited in the USNM. Type locality: Gatún, Canal Zone, Panama.918: 122  holotypeCulex (Melanoconion) zeteki of Dyar (1928: 339) [Cx. zeteci); Komp (1935: 9) [Cx. zeteci); Rozeboom & Komp (1950: 98) [Cx. zeteki); Pecor et al. (1992: 56) [ of Dyar 28: 339 [1935: 9)  (♂ as Cx950: 98)    (distr.)992: 56)   with dissected genitalia (USNM no. 953) on slide, in poor condition, deposited in the Diptera Collection, National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, DC, USA.Material examined: 37 specimens: 15 Le, 20 Pe, 10 ♀, 10 ♂. (FSP-USP): Brazil: São Paulo State, Pariquera-Açu Municipality, Pariquera-Mirim , coll. Sá et al. 2014, 21.viii.2014, det. Sá 2014: SP155-29 . São Paulo, Pariquera-Açu, coll. Sá et al. 2014, 16.ix.2014, det. Sá 2014: SP157-105 ; SP158A-04 ; SP158A-05 ; SP158A-06 ; SP158A-07 . Minas Gerais State, Cláudio Municipality, Marcelo Farm, Várzea da Rocinha , coll. Bergo et al. 2010, 13.iv.2010, det. Sallum 2014: MG50-10 . São Paulo State, Dourado Municipality , coll. Forattini et al. 7.i.1981, det. Sallum 1981: no.147 (♂G); no.150 ; no.151 (♂G); no.152 ; no.156 ; no.157 (♂G). São Paulo, Cananéia Municipality, Iririaia-Açu , coll. Forattini et al. 18.i.1984, det. Sallum 1984: HEP352-07 . São Paulo, Cananéia, Itapitangui , coll. Forattini et al. 11.iv.1984, det. Sallum 1984: HEP387-01 ; HEP387-03 ; HEP387-04 ; HEP394-05 . São Paulo, Cananéia, Folha larga , coll. Forattini et al. 26.vii.1985, det. Sallum 1985: EP0005-01 ; EP0005-02 ; EP0005-04 (Pe); EP0005-05 ; EP0005-06 ; EP0005-07 ; EP0005-09 . São Paulo, Cananéia, Itapitangui , coll. Forattini et al. 25.x.1988, det. Sallum 1988: EP0003-06 . Amazonas State, Humaitá Municipality, Realidade , coll. Chaves et al. 22.vii.2016, det. Sá 2017: Coleta07-Humaitá-03 (♀); Coleta07-Humaitá-04 (♀); Coleta07-Humaitá-05 (♀); Coleta07-Humaitá-06 (♀); Coleta07-Humaitá-74 (♀). Amazonas State, Lábrea Municipality, Umari  coll. Sallum et al. viii.2015, det. Sá 2017: AM47-06 (♂). (INPA): Amazonas State, Manaus Municipality, Acampamento Colosso, Fazenda Esteio , coll. Hutchings & Aquino 2002, det. Sallum & Hutchings: Fam-000630 (♂G); Fam-000939 (♂G); Fam-002679 (♂G). Amazonas State, Jutai Municipality, São Raimundo, Parana do Cervalho, Solimões River , coll. Hutchings et al. 16–17.ix.2003, det. Sá 2017: ProV-007250 (♂G); ProV-007254 (♂G).Distribution:Culex zeteki has been found in Belize [n Belize , Brazil n Belize , Colombin Belize , French n Belize , Honduran Belize , Nicaragn Belize , Paraguan Belize , Panama n Belize , Surinamn Belize , 15, 69 n Belize , 70, 76,n Belize , Minas Gn Belize  and São n Belize , 81.DescriptionFemale.Head: antennal length 0.81–1.31 (1.08) (n = 5); proboscis dark-scaled, length 1.07–1.33 (1.20) (n = 5); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 0.16–0.26 (0.22) (n = 5). Occiput with brown, erect, forked scales. Thorax: scutum with narrow, bronzy falcate scales. Median lobe of scutellum with 6 setae, lateral lobes each with 4 setae. Pleural setae with 2 types of colouring: dark brown: 4–6 antepronotal, 4 or 5 prealar; and pleural setae golden: 3 or 4 upper mesokatepisternal, 3 or 4 lower mesokatepisternal, 4 upper mesepimeral, 1 large lower mesepimeral. Pleura with indistinct broad patch of whitish scales. Mesepimeral integument dark, with distinct median whitish area completely separating darker upper and lower areas. Wing: dark-scaled, length 2.23–2.88 (2.55) (n = 5). Halter: scabellum, pedicel and capitellum whitish. Legs: as in Cx. atratus. Abdomen: tergum II-VII with basal bands of white scales, tergum VIII dark-scaled.Male. [Figs. Head: antennal length 0.96–1.32 (1.15) (n = 5); proboscis entirely dark-scaled, length 1.24–1.81 (1.63) (n = 5); maxillary palpus dark-scaled, length 1.68–2.19 (1.85) (n = 5). Wing: length 2.28–2.74 (2.64) (n = 5). Genitalia: tergum IX lobes elongate, each with 20–22 slender, simple setae on median portion, apex glabrous, slightly pointed. Distance between lobes shorter than basal width of 1 lobe. Gonocoxite oblong, narrow; proximal division with 3 long, parallel setae : seta a long, slender with “opened” apex; seta b, long with rounded apex; seta c slender, filiform, with curved apex. Distal division with median columnar process with 5 setae: 3 filiform, narrow, apically pointed and differently sized setae (setae f), 1 long seta hook-like at apex (seta h), and 1 large, long, asymmetrical seta arising subapically (seta l); 1 saber-like seta (seta s) arising apically; gonocoxite with short, inconspicuous, hyaline setae on ventromesal surface. Gonostylus as in Cx. atratus, except for dorsal surface of apex with 3 or 4 conspicuous folds and large gonostylar claw. Aedeagus with apical process with rounded ripples; ventral process slightly straight. Proctiger with tergum X asymmetrical, with rounded outer and inner processes.e. Figs. k, 18 EssPupa. [Figs. Cephalothorax: seta 5-CT 4-branched; seta 7-CT double. Trumpet slender; pinna small, asymmetrical, length 0.09–0.15 (0.12) (n = 10), distal margin opposite the meatal cleft with small, inconspicuous emargination; tracheoid area extending 0.15–0.21 (0.18) (n = 10) from base; trumpet index 12.0–20.0 (15.9) (n = 10). Abdomen: seta 9-VIII with 3 simple branches; paddle index 1.57–2.03 (1.69) (n = 10).a. Figs. f, 4f CepLarva. [Figs. Head: length 0.66–0.77 (0.71) (n = 10), width 1.04–1.13 (1.09) (n = 10). Antennal length 0.49–0.57 (0.53) (n = 10); seta 1-A inserted 0.35–0.39 (0.37) (n = 10) from antennal base. Seta 5-C with 4 long branches; seta 13-C double; seta 14-C with 2 strong branches. Abdomen: comb of segment VIII with 28–34 scales equal in size arranged in 3 or 4 irregular rows. Segment X length 0.30–0.37 (0.33) (n = 10), siphon/saddle index 3.90–4.88 (4.43) (n = 10). Siphon: long, slender, index 6.5–8.9 (8.1) (n = 10); pecten with 12 spines on basal 0.30 of siphon. Seta 1-S usually with 4 ventral pairs and 4 dorsal pairs.a. Figs. f, 6f HeaBionomics. Immature specimens of Cx. zeteki were collected in shaded, stagnant lagoons with abundant aquatic vegetation.RemarksCulex zeteki was described by Dyar [Cx. zeteci. Rozeboom & Komp [Cx. zeteki. Culex zeteki differs from Cx. columnaris n. sp. in having the gonostylus with folds on the dorsal surface. Fourth-instar larvae of Cx. zeteki can be distinguished by having comb scales with lateral fringes on the middle of the lateral margins and seta 5-C with 4 or 5 long branches which may reach seta 7-C insertion. Pupae of Cx. zeteki can be distinguished from the other species of the group by possessing a slender trumpet with a small pinna and having the distal margin opposite the meatal cleft with an inconspicuous rounded emargination. by Dyar  as Cx. zm & Komp  correcteThe primary diagnostic characters of the larval and pupal forms are summarized in Tables Keys for identification of the Atratus Group and the species of the group(i)Keys based on adult morphology1Vertex with narrow, curved or linear decumbent scales; broad decumbent scales restricted to small lateral patches…2–Vertex with broad decumbent scales…Melanoconion Section (in part)2(1)Vertex with few narrow decumbent scales restricted to median area; lateral patch of broad decumbent scales large, evident in dorsal view…3–Vertex with numerous narrow decumbent scales; lateral patch of broad decumbent scales small, almost indistinct in dorsal view…Spissipes Section (in part)3(2)Thoracic pleural integument yellowish or lighter, contrasting with brown scutal integument…Spissipes Section–Thoracic pleural integument similar in color or lighter, not contrast sharply with scutal integument…44(3)Thoracic pleural integument lighter than scutal integument, with pattern of dark and pale areas on mesepimeron and mesokatepisternum; upper mesokatepisternum with a patch of white scales; legs with conspicuous or inconspicuous ring of white scales at all femur-tibia joints…Atratus Group (Melanoconion Section)–Thoracic pleural integument without pattern of dark and pale areas; upper mesokatepisternum without or with a small patch or a few white scales; legs with or without ring or patch of white scales at femur-tibia joints…Other Groups (Melanoconion Section)Atratus GroupProboscis with distinct dorsal and median patches of whitish scales; fore- and midfemur with preapical ring of whitish scales Fig. a…2Proboscis dark-scaled or with indistinct patch of pale scales; fore- and midfemur without preapical ring of whitish scales Fig. b…3Fig. 1Cx. caribeanusCosta (C) dark-scaled; vein R entirely dark-scaled. Male: palpomere I pale-scaled; palpomere III with long, distinct median patch of whitish scales on dorsal surface Fig. a…Cx. carCx. trigeminatusCosta (C) with proximal patch of whitish scales; vein R with a long line of whitish scales proximally. Male: palpomere I entirely dark-scaled; palpomere III with small, basal patch of whitish scales Fig. b…Cx. triCx. spinifer n. sp.Proboscis with indistinct dorsomedian patches of whitish scales; costa (C) with inconspicuous proximal patch of whitish scales; vein R with 1 long basal patch of whitish scales. Male: palpomere III with inconspicuous proximal patch of whitish scales Fig. a…Cx. spiProboscis without dorsal patch of whitish scales; vein R dark-scaled or with 2 basal patches of whitish scales separated by a dark scale-patch Fig. b…4Fig. 2Vein R with 2 basal whitish patches separated by dark-scaled patch Fig. a…5Vein R entirely dark-scaled Fig. b…7Fig. 2Scutal integument dark brown/black with whitish and golden scales  with patch of broad whitish scales as long as the mesothoracic spiracle (MS) Fig. a…8Upper corner of mesokatepisternum (Mkm) with patch of broad whitish scales shorter than the mesothoracic spiracle (MS) Fig. b…9Fig. 2Cx. longisetosus n. sp.Costa entirely dark-scaled Fig. a. Male: Cx. longistylus n. sp.Costa with proximal whitish scale-patch Fig. c. Male: Cx. zeteki / Cx. loturusMesepimeral integument (Mm) dark with distinct median whitish area completely separating darker upper and lower areas Fig. a…Cx. zetMesepimeral integument (Mm) entirely dark or with indistinct median whitish area not completely separating the dark areas Fig. b…10Fig. Cx. atratusMesepimeral integument (Mm) dark, without median pale area; terga II-VIII (II-VIII-Te) with basolateral patches of whitish scales, without basal pale bands Fig. a…Cx. atrCx. columnaris n. sp.Mesepimeral integument (Mm) dark, with indistinct median pale area that does not completely separate the dark area; terga II-VIII (II-VIII-Te) with pale basal bands Fig. b…Cx. col Keys based on the morphology of male genitaliaAedeagal sclerite (AeS) broad and curved in lateral view, largely connected to dorsal process of lateral plate (LP)…Spissipes SectionAedeagal sclerite (AeS) narrow and curved in lateral view, lightly connected to dorsal process of lateral plate (LP)…2Gonocoxite (Gc) small, narrow, oblong; gonostylus (Gs) narrow, dorsal area without setae; lateral plate (LP) with concave ventral process and pointed apical process…Atratus Group (Melanoconion Section)Gonocoxite (Gc) conical, ovoid or globose; gonostylus variously modified; lateral plate (LP) with ventral and lateral processes otherwise modified…Other Groups (Melanoconion Section)Atratus GroupProximal division of subapical lobe (pSL) without columnar process, setae only inserted on tubercles or directly inserted on surface of the gonocoxite Fig. a…2Cx. columnaris n. sp.Proximal division of subapical lobe (pSL) with long columnar process divided apically Fig. b…Cx. colProximal division of subapical lobe (pSL) with 2 setae Fig. a…3Proximal division of subapical lobe (pSL) with 3 or more setae Fig. b…8Fig. 3b of proximal division) columnar process  with a short  columnar process  with a long   with seta th) Fig. a; tergumth) Fig. b; gonocoth) Fig. c…5l long   with seta th) Fig. d; tergumth) Fig. e; gonocoth) Fig. f…Cx. atrCx. ensiformisTergum IX lobe (IX-TL) with simple setae Fig. a; aedeagCx. spinifer n. sp.Tergum IX lobe (IX-TL) with simple and apically bifid setae Fig. d; aedeagTergum IX lobe (IX-TL) elongate, longer than wide, with only simple setae or simple and few apically bifid setae Fig. a…7Cx. longistylus n. sp.Tergum IX lobe (IX-TL) somewhat rounded, wider than long, with few simple and several apically bifid setae Fig. b…Cx. lonCx. comptus n. sp.Tergum IX lobe (IX-TL) slender, with simple setae Fig. a; aedeagCx. longisetosus n. sp.Tergum IX lobe (IX-TL) slightly broad, with simple, apically bifid setae Fig. d; aedeagLateral plate (LP) of aedeagus with spicules on ventral process Fig. a; tergumLateral plate (LP) of aedeagus without spicules on ventral process Fig. c; tergumCx. dunniGonocoxite (Gc) with long and dispersed setae on sternomesal surface Fig. a; tergumCx. exedrusGonocoxite (Gc) with long and aligned setae on sternomesal surface Fig. c; tergumProximal division of subapical lobe (pSL) with 3 setae Fig. a; apicalProximal division of subapical lobe (pSL) with 4 setae Fig. c; lateral of distal division of subapical lobe (dSL) with rounded and laterally directed apex  of aedeagus with distinct ripples on apical process Fig. a; seta lpex Fig. b; gonostpex Fig. c…Cx. zetl of distal division of subapical lobe (dSL) with pointed and laterally directed apex  of aedeagus with indistinct ripples on apical process Fig. d; seta lpex Fig. e; gonostpex Fig. f…Cx. lotl of distal division of subapical lobe (dSL) with rounded apex; seta b of proximal division of subapical lobe (pSL) long, slender, apically sinuous  with pointed apex; seta b of proximal division of subapical lobe (pSL) long and stout Keys based on pupal morphology1Seta 9-VIII inserted at or near to caudolateral margin; caudolateral angle of segment VIII blunt…Spissipes Section–Seta 9-VIII inserted above of caudolateral margin; caudolateral angle of segment VIII slightly pointed…22(1)Trumpet narrow, long, length/width ratio 7 to 30…Atratus Group (Melanoconion Section)–Trumpet thick, of shorter length, length/width ratio 5 to 8…Other Groups (Melanoconion Section)Atratus GroupTrumpet (T) with distal margin of pinna (Pi) without emargination; if present, emargination indistinct Fig. a…2Trumpet (T) with distal margin of pinna with conspicuous emargination Fig. b…4Fig. 4Cx. atratusTrumpet (T) with a V-shaped pinna (Pi); trumpet large, wider at apex than at base Fig. a; trumpePinna (Pi) small, not V-shaped; trumpet narrow from base to apex Fig. c; trumpeCx. trigeminatusTrumpet index 20; pinna (Pi) short, somewhat rounded, meatal cleft (MC) short; distal margin opposite meatal cleft with small notch Fig. a…Cx. triCx. zetekiTrumpet index 17; pinna (Pi) heart-shaped in lateral view, becoming slender at base, meatal cleft (MC) long; distal margin opposite meatal cleft with small, rounded emargination Fig. b…Cx. zetCx. ensiformisTrumpet (T) long; pinna (Pi) cup-shaped in lateral view; trumpet index > 20; distal margin opposite meatal cleft (MC) with indistinct, shallow transverse depression Fig. a…Cx. ensTrumpet (T) moderately long; pinna (Pi) narrow; trumpet index < 16; distal margin opposite meatal cleft with indistinct longitudinal notch Fig. b…5Fig. 4c.14…Cx. dunniTrumpet (T) widened distally; distal margin opposite meatal cleft with large emargination Fig. a; trumpec.15…Cx. comptus n. sp.Trumpet (T) narrow; distal margin opposite meatal cleft with indistinct longitudinal fissure Fig. b; trumpe(iv)Keys based on fourth-instar larvae morphology1Seta 2-C present; seta 14-C inserted anteriorly to 15-C…Spissipes Section “partim”–Seta 2-C absent; seta 14-C and 15-C inserted at same level or 14-C slightly anterior to 15-C…22(1)Siphon slender and long, index 7–10; seta 1-S with 2–4 short pairs of dorsolateral setae; thoracic and abdominal integument without spicules; segment X with few spicules on posterior margin…Atratus Group (Melanoconion Section)–Siphon thick and short, index lower than 7; seta 1-S with 2 short or long pairs of dorsolateral setae; thoracic and abdominal integument with distinct or indistinct spicules; segment X with several spicules on posterior margin…Other Groups (Melanoconion Section)Atratus GroupComb scales (CS) of segment VIII different in size and shape: long, pointed and laterally fringed, and shorter apicolaterally fringed scales Fig. a…2Comb scales (CS) of segment VIII similar in size and shape Fig. b…3Fig. 4Cx. trigeminatusSeta 5-C with 5 short branches not reaching 6-C insertion; seta 13-C triple Fig. a; siphonCx. ensiformisSeta 5-C with 8 long branches extending beyond 6-C insertion; seta 13-C double Fig. d; siphonSegment VIII with comb scales in 3 rows Fig. a; seta 1Segment VIII with comb scales in 4 rows Fig. c; seta 1Cx. atratusSeta 13-C simple Fig. a; pectenCx. comptus n. sp.Seta 13-C double Fig. c; pectenCx. zetekiSeta 2-VIII with 2 or 3 branches; seta 5-VIII with 3 branches Fig. a; comb sCx. dunniSeta 2-VIII with 1 or 2 branches; seta 5-VIII with 3 or 4 branches Fig. c; comb sCx. atratus, Cx. caribeanus, Cx. commevynensis, Cx. dunni, Cx. ensiformis, Cx. trigeminatus, and Cx. zeteki. Adults of the group can be readily identified by having the vertex with narrow, decumbent scales restricted to the central area, a pleural integument with a striking pattern of dark and pale areas, and a patch of white scales on upper mesokatepisternum. In the male genitalia, the aedeagal sclerite is slender and curved in lateral view, the gonocoxite is oblong and narrow, and the gonostylus is narrow, simple and tapering to the apex. The trumpet of pupae is thin, long with a length/width ratio of 10 or higher. The fourth-instar larvae have a long, slender and tapering to apex siphon, with 3 or 4 pairs of small dorsolateral setae 1-S.The Atratus Group proposed by Sirivanakarn  includedCx. atratus is 7.0 and Cx. trigeminatus larvae possess only 2 pairs of dorsolateral setae on the siphon. These characteristics disagree with the diagnosis for the group provided by Sirivanakarn [Cx. atratus and Cx. trigeminatus from the other species of the Group, being diagnostic of these two species.Thus, according to Sirivanakarn , immaturvanakarn  but theyCx. theobaldi (Lutz).In addition, there are several characters that are useful for identification of species of the Atratus Group. Our comparative observations of adults of all examined species clearly indicate that the presence of a ring of white scales on all of the femoro-tibial joints, represents a character that helps recognize species of the group. However, other species of the Melanoconion Section also possess white scales on the knees, such as Culex exedrus can be distinguished from Cx. dunni by having several long setae visibly lined up on the sternomesal surface of the gonocoxite, seta s of gonocoxite with a large apex, and a proctiger with a large inner process of tergum X. Therefore, these features justify the resurrection of Cx. exedrus from synonymy with Cx. dunni. Similarly, Cx. loturus was resurrected from synonymy with Cx. zeteki based on the possession of a large seta l borne subapically on the distal division of the subapical lobe and a slender apical process without ripples of the lateral plate of the aedeagus.Furthermore, examination of the available material resulted in the discovery of five new species of the Atratus Group, based on morphological characters of adults, male genitalia and, where possible, of immature stages.Culex (Melanoconion) currently comprises 14 species and it has been markedly updated with respect to the number of known species, their bionomics and distribution, providing tools to facilitate the identification of the adult and immature stages of the species in the group. As a result, the current knowledge leads us to suggest the following composition of the Atratus Group: Cx. atratus , Cx. caribeanus, Cx. commevynensis, Cx. columnaris n. sp., Cx. comptus n. sp., Cx. dunni (syn. Cx. ruffinis), Cx. ensiformis, Cx. exedrus, Cx. longisetosus n. sp., Cx. longistylus n. sp., Culex loturus, Culex spinifer n. sp., Culex trigeminatus and Culex zeteki. Additional studies utilizing molecular methods, particularly to investigate phylogenetic relationships within the Atratus Group, and to determine the placement of the group within the genus Melanoconion, are necessary.The Atratus Group of