Catalogue of the Diptera (Insecta) of Morocco- an annotated checklist, with distributions and a bibliography.

The faunistic knowledge of the Diptera of Morocco recorded from 1787 to 2021 is summarized and updated in this first catalogue of Moroccan Diptera species. A total of 3057 species, classified into 948 genera and 93 families (21 Nematocera and 72 Brachycera), are listed. Taxa (superfamily, family, genus and species) have been updated according to current interpretations, based on reviews in the literature, the expertise of authors and contributors, and recently conducted fieldwork. Data to compile this catalogue were primarily gathered from the literature. In total, 1225 references were consulted and some information was also obtained from online databases. Each family was reviewed and the checklist updated by the respective taxon expert(s), including the number of species that can be expected for that family in Morocco. For each valid species, synonyms known to have been used for published records from Morocco are listed under the currently accepted name. Where available, distribution within Morocco is also included. One new combination is proposed: Assuaniamelanoleuca (Séguy, 1941), comb. nov. (Chloropidae).

Genetic characterization of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in Morocco: a fundamental tool for malaria control.

The Anopheles maculipennis complex has been implicated in the transmission of malaria, which was endemic in Morocco until 2010. Climate change, intensification of international travel and the permanent presence of the vector increase the risk of malaria re-emergence. Using polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR), this study attempts to identify the possible presence of the Maculipennis complex in several areas of Morocco, based on the concept of risk. Eighty-six mosquito specimens were analyzed using PCR amplification of the ITS2 (Internal Transcribed Spacer 2) sequence of ribosomal DNA. The ITS2 sequences of the mosquitoes were compared to those of the 7 species of the Maculipennis complex available in GenBank. The results obtained confirm the presence of Anopheles labranchiae. In order to enable technology transfer, DNA extraction and amplification steps are presented for the first time in detail, given the fact that the technique is still unknown to several Moroccan peripheral laboratories.

An updated checklist of the Culicidae (Diptera) of Morocco, with notes on species of historical and current medical importance.

An updated checklist of the mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) recorded in Morocco from 1916 to 2016 is provided, including synonyms and synonymous usage for each species. Forty-three species belonging to seven genera are recorded so far: Anopheles (9), Aedes (12) Coquillettidia (2), Culex (12), Culiseta (5), Orthopodomyia (1) and Uranotaenia (2). Traditional and equivalent names in the polyphyletic concept of Aedes are provided for the aedine species. The historical importance and current potential threat of mosquitoes to human health in Morocco is reviewed.