Reevaluation of the taxonomic status of the Culicoides spp (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Israel and the eastern Mediterranean and review of their potential medical and veterinary importance

Fifty-eight Culicoides species were recorded in Israel, the Golan Heights, and Sinai. Culicoides arabiensis and C. near iranica were recorded for the first time. Culicoides kurensis was identified instead of the misidentified C. badooshensis. Of the Culicoides species that appeared as distinct species in previous publications, it is now recognized that C. subravus is a synonym of C. ravus, C. cubitalis is a synonym of C. kibunensis, and C. saevanicus is a synonym of C. griseidorsum. The potential medical/veterinary importance of the vector species is reviewed.