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The Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Lower, 1862) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a pest of significant economic importance in Central America and Florida (USA). This study was carried out to examine the influence of climate change on the space–time distribution of A. suspensa on temporal and spatial scales. The CLIMEX software was used to model the current distribution and for climate change. The future distribution was performed using two global climate models (GCMs), CSIRO-Mk3.0 (CS) and MIROC-H (MR), under the emission scenarios (SRES) A2 and A1B for the years 2050, 2080, and 2100. The results indicate a low potential for global distribution of A. suspensa in all scenarios studied. However, tropical areas were identified with high climatic suitability for A. suspensa in South America, Central America, Africa, and Oceania until the end of the century. Projections of areas with climatic suitability for A. suspensa can provide helpful information to develop preventive strategies of phytosanitary management avoiding economic impacts with the introduction of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In economic terms, invasive species pose risks to human interests in management systems related to agriculture, animal health, and forestry, as they cause damage and change the composition of native species. Through modeling, ecological studies can help identify favorable climatic environments for species. Using biological factors and climate data, the CLIMEX software can forecast a species' seasonal phenology and dispersal locations across time. The Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae), was modeled using CLIMEX to assess the variables affecting its population and dispersal processes. The results show A. suspensa climatic suitability in South America, Central America, Africa, and Oceania. The most critical adaptation happens in the Caribbean and Central America between September and December, while it happens in South America between February and April. The sensitivity analysis showed that the species is more sensitive to temperature changes. Our results were validated through field data reports. Modeling has significant implications since it may be used to develop control and monitoring methods in situations and locations with favorable climates for A. suspensa, particularly in cases when the pest is not present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Caribbean country Jamaica has only seven reported chigger species. Of these, one was recorded from bats. Methods: For the specimens examined in this study were provided drawings, measurements, and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss. This material is deposited in the Smithsonian National Chigger Collection. Results: In the present study, we describe a new genus and species parasitizing the Antillean ghost-faced bat in Jamaica. This new genus can be separated from all other genera of this family for the following combination of features: (1) palptarsus with four branched and three nude setae; (2) 3-pronged odontus; (3) femur I divided into basifemur and telofemur; and (4) 3 σ on genu I. Conclusion: The description of this new genus contributes to the increase in the knowledge of chiggers that parasites bats in Jamaica. Also, this is only the second record of a chigger parasitizing this host in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]