Elevation of Pseudoskusea, Rusticoidus and Protomacleaya to valid subgenera in the mosquito genus Aedes based on taxon naming criteria recently applied to other members of the Tribe Aedini (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Background: Pseudoskusea, Rusticoidus and Protomacleaya were well-recognized, morphologically distinct subgenera within the genus Aedes prior to a series of taxonomic changes over the past 15 years by Reinert, Harbach and Kitching, when they were recognized as subgenera of the genus Ochlerotatus. In our recent effort to stabilize the Tribe Aedini, we synonymized these subgenera and associated species back into the genus Aedes, but incorrectly assigned them as putative informal groups, instead of reinstating them to subgenera. Conclusion: Here we formally elevate three traditionally recognized subgenera (Pseudoskusea, Rusticoidus and Protomacleaya) within the genus Aedes.