Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) are vectors of leishmaniases, a group of diseases caused by Protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. About 20 Leishmania species are known to infect human, and strong relationships exist between these pathogens and their vectors. The determination of Phlebotomine sandflies systematics is thus essential for a better understanding of the epidemiology of the leishmaniases. Sandflies are widespread and constitute an old group of insects. Those from the New World have been segregated from those from the Old World more than 100 millions years ago and the Leishmania they transmit have also been segregated a long time ago. In this project, using RAD-seq we will explore the systematics of the subgenus Paraphlebotomus in the Old World. This subgenus includes Ph. sergenti, the main vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. tropica (from Morocco to Pakistan). By inclusion of i) at least 12 species of the subgenus and ii) many populations from the vast distribution area of Ph. sergenti including topotypes, we aim to understand the systematics and the phylogeny of the group with a special focus on Ph. sergenti to better understand the epidemiological consequences of the transmission of L. tropica. 

This project is being conducted in collaboration with Jérôme Depaquit et Véronique Lehrter (Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne)

People involved : A. Cruaud, J.-Y Rasplus, G. Genson, L. Sauné