**3.4. Contributions to the knowledge of phlebotomines**

As a result of the study of foci, valuable information about the presence and distribution of *Lutzomyia* species in Colombia has been obtained. Some species have been reported as novel to Colombia, such as *Lu. suapiensis* [55] and *Lu.a Franca* in the Amazon region [56], or described as novel species in general, such as *Lu. velezi* [57]. Others have been newly reported in certain areas, such as *Lu. reburra* in Antioquia [58] and *Lu. ovallesi* in Amazonas (unpublished data).

However, knowledge has not only been generated about the presence of a species in a focus but also on biodistribution, behavior, and location relative to home of these species. Thus, changes in the geographical distribution of some vector species over time have been detected that require adaptability to both urban environment and novel areas. Such is the case of *Lu. longipalpis,* which had been reported at a maximum altitude of 1100 meters above sea level until 2006, when we identified this species in the Andean region of the country (Caldas) at 1387 meters above sea level; this was the second global report of the prevalence of this species at a higher altitude [59]. *Lu. panamensis*, one of the main vector species of CL in Colombia, has become the predominant species in the most urbanized areas, showing its high capacity for adaptation, unlike other species present in the jungle areas of Darien Colombia (Department Choco) (Carillo LM, unpublished data).

While the biting activity of insect vectors has been found to be crepuscular and nocturnal, these species have variable hours of activity. For example, in Montebello and Antioquia, *Lu. gomezi* has been found to have greater biting activity from 6 to 8 pm. In the municipality of La Guaira, Valle del Cauca, *Lu. youngi* has generally been identified as having increased biting activity between 7:00and 9:00 pm [60]. *Lu. evansi* in San Andres de Sotavento has been found to have increased biting activity from 11:00 pm to 1 am [7]. Specifying the peak hours of biting is important for the selection of the control measure to be used.

Seasonal variations in the density of vectors have been identified. For example, in sub‐tropical countries, the period of greatest activity of a vector has been found to correspond to the warmer months of the year. In France, *Ph. ariasi* has been found to be active from June to September, with its highest density identified at the end of July [5, 60, 61]; however, after examining the physiological age of the insects, it was found that the highest proportion of calved females and natural infections with *Leishmania* occurred in August and early September. In tropical regions and notably in Colombia, we have found that the period of greatest risk corresponds to the rainy season. In San Andres de Sotavento (*Lu. evansi*) [27], Montebello (*Lu. gomezi*) [6] and Choco (*Lu. panamensis* and *Lu. trapidoi*) (Carrillo LM, unpublished data) a significant increase in vector density during the rainy season has been identified. At the end of this period, the rate of calved females and natural *Leishmania* infections has also been determined to be significantly higher. In the area of Urabá during the phenomenon "*El Niño*" a tendency towards decreased vectors has been identified, contrary to what was reported by Cardenas et al. [62].

Over longer periods, disease outbreaks (e.g., Montebello, San Roque, and Saiza) have been observed that correspond to the confluence of multiple factors such as the presence of infected reservoirs and vector abundance; in all of these outbreaks, it was found that transmission occurred in the intra‐ and peridomicile, with children highly affected and no gender difference identified. Additionally, humans were identified as a possible reservoir due to the large number of active lesions present at any given time and high number of bites (see the photo of the girl with bites and photos of extensive lesions). Climatic factors, such as a phenomenon of "*La Niña*,*"* characterized in Colombia by the rainy season, could favor higher vector densities and outbreaks; however, studies confirming this hypothesis are needed.
