The distribution pattern of members of the Culex pipiens complex is particularly important for establishing successful management programs as these mosquitoes are competent vectors for certain disease-causing pathogens. Wolbachia, which is a maternally inherited bacterial symbiont, are found in many different arthropod species and can lead to cytoplasmic incompatibility, i.e., reduced egg hatch, in certain crosses. It is being thought as a tool for population control of mosquito disease vectors. The Aegean region is on the route of the migratory birds and also characterized by agricultural areas and highly populated settlements. In the present study, we used the 658 bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, also known as the barcode region, to differentiate Cx. pipiens complex species found in Aegean region. In addition, for the first time, the frequencies of Wolbachia endobacteria in these field populations was investigated employing Wolbachia specific surface protein, wsp, gene. Our results showed a widespread (more than 90%, n=121) presence of the highly efficient West Nile virus vector Cx. quinquefasciatus in the region. We also detected that Wolbachia infection is common; the average frequency was 62% in populations throughout the sampling area. This study revealed important knowledge about the composition of Cx. pipiens complex mosquitoes and the frequency of Wolbachia infection in Aegean populations. This knowledge will be useful in tracking mosquito-borne diseases and designing and implementing Wolbachia-based control strategies in the region. |