Diversity and Network Structure of Culicidae Associated with Two Bromeliad Species from Northwestern Argentina

Phytotelmata are natural water-holding microhabitats that support diverse aquatic communities, including immature mosquitoes. We analyzed the diversity, composition, and interaction network structure of Culicidae associated with two bromeliad species, Aechmea distichantha and Vriesea friburgensis, in two localities of the Yungas ecoregion in northwestern Argentina: La Florida Provincial Reserve (LFPR) (Tucumán) and Isla de Cañas (Salta). Immature mosquitoes were sampled during 2017-2018, and community structure was evaluated using Hill numbers, nonparametric richness estimators, bipartite network analysis, and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). A total of 12 mosquito species were identified, with richness ranging from 5 to 9 species depending on bromeliad species and locality, with the highest richness recorded in V. friburgensis in LFPR. Sampling completeness ranged from 96.8% to 100%. Bipartite network analysis showed moderate connectance (0.50), low modularity (Q = 0.188), intermediate nestedness (NODF = 46.94), and low global specialization (H2’=0.273), suggesting a relatively generalized interaction structure. Culex coronator and Cx. imitator dominated the assemblage, while other species exhibited more restricted associations. The CCA indicated that species composition was mainly associated with bromeliad height above ground, internal water temperature, sediment, and pH. These results highlight the importance of microhabitat heterogeneity in structuring mosquito assemblages in Neotropical phytotelmata.