Discovery of a new inland population of Leptoconops noei in Italy with sequencing of the first complete mitochondrial genome for the genus.

The Ceratopogonidae family, comprising over 6000 described species, includes the genus Leptoconops, which has been understudied despite its ecological significance and biting nuisance to humans. Here, we document the presence of inland Leptoconops noei populations for the first time in Italy in an area previously considered environmentally atypical for this species. Our findings expand the known range of L. noei, traditionally confined to coastal areas, and highlight its potential to colonise diverse habitats. Interestingly, despite the thorough morphological and molecular identification of sampled individuals and their clear assignment to the species L. noei, a notable morphological variability was observed in the sensory structures of the maxillary palps, suggesting the possibility of a new morphotype or environment-driven adaptations. Phylogenetic analyses of COX1 sequences revealed negligible genetic differentiation between the newly discovered inland population and coastal populations, suggesting recent separation or gene-flow connection. These findings underscore the ecological adaptability of L. noei, which poses risks of human-biting nuisance, allergic reactions and even possible economic losses in recreative areas, in a range of locations wider than previously assumed. Additionally, this study reports the first complete mitochondrial genome for the genus Leptoconops, offering valuable genetic insights for taxonomic clarification, evolutionary studies and future research on the biology of Ceratopogonidae.