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Simple Summary: Pathogens transmitted to humans and animals by Phlebotomines are relatively neglected, as they cause infectious diseases which represent an underestimated burden in most European countries. Several sand fly species are competent vectors of Leishmaniasis, an endemic disease that has spread widely throughout the Mediterranean region in conjunction with sand flies' movements. In the Lombardy region, information on sand flies is poor and/or outdated. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to preliminarily ascertain the species composition, distribution, and diversity in representative Lombardy localities. The sampling took advantage of regional surveillance plans namely, West Nile virus and leishmaniasis monitoring plans. A focused sampling was also performed in areas identified as favorable for vector presence. Sampling was conducted using CO2–CDC traps conducted every two and/or three weeks. From trapping for the West Nile monitoring plan, 21 out of 44 capture sites were positive for sand flies, while for the leishmaniasis monitoring plan, 11 out of the 40 trapping sites detected sand flies' presence. Specimen identification was conducted by identifying morphological features. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species (87.76% of specimens collected). Adequate and well-structured monitoring of sand fly populations is essential to provide information about distribution patterns of vector species present in defined geographical areas, as they could enhance pathogen circulation. This study investigated the species composition and density of sand flies in the Lombardy region (Northern Italy). Sand flies were collected using CDC traps baited with CO2 (CO2–CDC traps) between June and August 2021. A total of 670 sand flies were collected. The specimens were identified as seven species belonging to two genera, Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia, namely, S. minuta, Ph. perniciosus, Ph. perfiliewii, Ph. neglectus, Ph. mascitti, Ph. papatasi, and Ph. ariasi. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species (87.76%), followed by Ph. perfiliewii (7.31%), Ph. neglectus (3.13%), S. minuta (0.75%), Ph. mascitti (0.6%), Ph. papatasi (0.3%), and Ph. ariasi, for which only one specimen was identified. Among these identified species, five are considered vectors of Leishmania, which causes cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. As vector presence increases the risk of vector-borne leishmaniasis, these results suggest that Northern Italy could be a potential area of pathogen circulation over the next few years. These preliminary results suggest that the risk of borne leishmaniasis is high in this region of Northern Italy. Monitoring the distribution of sand fly species in areas suitable for their persistence is important for control programs aimed at reducing the risk of leishmaniasis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlebotomine sandflies are important vectors of Leishmania spp. and phleboviruses causing disease in animals and humans. Morphological identification of phlebotomine sandflies to the species level is challenging, requiring microscopical examination of the genitalia, which is demanding and time consuming. Molecular sandfly species identification can be a practical solution to save resources since it enables further molecular studies capable of generating data, such as biting preferences by blood meal analysis. In this study, resorting to a sandfly dataset collected between 2014 and 2018 across Portuguese territory under active mosquito surveillance and sandfly specific surveys, we used molecular methods to explore the genetic diversity and spatial distribution, further exploring ecological co-variants of four sandfly species-Phlebotomus ariasi, P. perniciosus, P. sergenti, and Sergentomyia minuta-all of which are of public health importance. Sandflies were collected from Spring to Autumn (May-November) following local temperature patterns. P. perniciosus was the most widespread detected species, with a nationwide distribution. All studied species clustered together with known samples from the Iberian Peninsula. Further monitoring studies of sandfly species diversity, distribution, and seasonality are essential for surveillance and control of sandfly-borne pathogens both nationally and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]