Operational document for the identification of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) - Portuguese only

This document highlights the diagnostic characteristics of the species of greatest interest to public health and which are found frequently and in abundance in entomological surveys in Central and South America, their distribution and bionomics. An illustrated key for identifying the species of the paraensis group is also provided. Considering the epidemiological scenario and the challenges in identifying Culicoides species, this operational document aims to guide teams of entomologists in the countries of the Region of the Americas in identifying the main taxonomic and ecological characteristics of the species found frequently and in abundance in the Neotropical region.