First detection of mosquito <i>Uranotaenia sapphirina</i> (Diptera: Culicidae) in New Brunswick, Canada

Abstract Climate change and other anthropogenic stressors are reshaping Earth’s biodiversity, motivating efforts to monitor changing faunal diversity. Canada is home to 80 documented species of mosquitoes, 38 of which are reported in New Brunswick. Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature CO 2 light traps, three adult mosquito collection surveys were performed to encompass 43 trapping sites across New Brunswick, Canada. Study one took place from 21 July 2022 to 9 September 2022, study two took place from 29 May 2023 to 24 October 2023, and study three took place from 15 May 2024 to 19 September 2024. Among the specimens collected, a total of 18 Uranotaenia sapphirina (Osten Sacken) (Diptera: Culicidae) were identified from five separate trapping sites. This species, previously documented only in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba, is considered rare in Canada and is known for its specialisation in feeding on annelids rather than vertebrates. Our detection of Ur. sapphirina in New Brunswick, where it has been absent in earlier surveys, suggests a recent range expansion, possibly driven by climate change. This observation highlights the need for ongoing surveillance to monitor the impacts of environmental changes on mosquito distribution.