New records of the occurrence of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species in rural area of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, in the South of Brazil

Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) species are of medical and veterinary importance and play a role as disease vectors caused by viruses, protozoa, and filarial nematodes. Besides their vectorial importance, they are harmful due to painful bites that cause discomfort in humans and animals. Identifying possible disease vectors is of significant epidemiological importance, therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out a survey of the species of Ceratopogonids that occur in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, to verify the frequency of occurrence of adults of Ceratopogonidae within one year of capture. Insects were collected weekly (three night a week) using a Captor® suction light trap, from March 2020 to March 2021, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Collections of biting midges were separated from other insects, divided into genera and morphologically identified at the species level. A total of 16,054 specimens (71.55% female to 28.44% male) of Ceratopogonidae, were collected and identified, comprising thirteen species. Data presented show that several species of biting midges, including seven new records, have variable frequency and occur year-round at the study site, with the highest number in the warm season. The dominant species were Culicoides insignis and Culicoides venezuelensis .