Francisco Campos-Rivadeneira and Roberto Levi-Castillo: Their lives and contributions to the study of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Ecuador

Abstract

The study of mosquitoes is important in the prevention of vector-borne diseases. In Ecuador, knowledge on local mosquito biodiversity was pioneered by two entomologists whose contributions span the first half of the 20th century; these were Francisco Campos-Rivadeneira and Roberto Levi-Castillo. Both contributed to general aspects of entomology, and to particular insights in mosquito taxonomy. Their publications and discoveries were recognized by the international scientific community but went unnoticed during their time in South America. Today, very few citizens remember the names and contributions of these two men of science. Here, we provide an overview of their lives, a summary of their contributions and conclude with a broader outlook on the practice of science in Latin America during their time.