Species composition and larval habitats of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Abstract

A bi-weekly mosquito larval survey was conducted in potential breeding habitats, between January 2004 and December 2005, in Ilorin, Nigeria, to elucidate the mosquito fauna, their breeding habitats and relative contributions of such larval habitats to mosquito populations in the area. Nine species were encountered namely, Anopheles gambiae (31.56%), Aedes aegpti (23.61%), Culex pipiens fatigans (17.74%), Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (9.79%), Anopheles funestus (9.47%), Aedes palpalis (3.26%), Culex decens (2.94%), Anopheles nili (1.06%) and Anopheles pharaoensis (0.61%). Three of these species, Ae. aegypti, An. gambiae and Cx. p. fatigans, had dominant densities (> 5%) and constant distribution (80.1 – 100%), and therefore were regarded as the principal mosquito species in the area. Most of the mosquitoes increased significantly (P < 0.05) in abundance during the rainy season, reaching a peak between June and September. Domestic containers and Temporary Ground Pools were the most active breeding sites, as they had both the highest number of species and individuals. Except An. gambiae and Cx. p. fatigans which bred actively in all habitat types, the mosquito species showed significant preferences for certain breeding sites. The public health implications of the occurrence of these mosquito species and associated breeding sites, as well as, management strategies were discussed.

Keywords: Aedes, Anopheles, Breeding, Culex, Density, Population.

The Zoologist Vol. 6 2008: pp. 7-15