Habitat Quality Influences Aedes, Anopheles and Culex sp. (Diptera; Culicidae) Larval Abundance and Co-occupancy in South-south Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Several Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex mosquito species transmit diseases including malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, and lymphatic filariasis. These mosquitoes thrive in diverse tropical and subtropical habitats, where physicochemical properties, habitat types, and biotic interactions influence oviposition and larval development. Understanding these extrinsic factors that influence mosquito breeding success, although commonly known, is crucial, particularly in regions lacking prior reports, and for periodic re-evaluation in other regions. Continuous assessment reports provide timely insights into mosquito activities in their habitats, which are now needed due to the realities of climate change. This understanding is essential for implementing effective and comprehensive control measures, even on a nationwide scale, in areas with similar climates. A survey was conducted across 16 localities in Edo State, southern Nigeria, covering 32 mosquito larval-positive breeding sites, comprising containers, gutters, puddles, used tyres, and tyre tracks. A total of 17 physicochemical properties were assessed at these sites. Anopheles larvae were abundant in tyre tracks, puddles, and gutters with high environmental variability, while Aedes favoured puddles and used tyres. Aedes abundance was positively linked to chloride but negatively associated with suspended solids, total dissolved solids (TDS), water colour, and Anopheles larvae. Culex were predominantly found in used tyres and were negatively associated with pH, turbidity, and TDS, but positively with nitrates. Aedes and Culex preferred containers and used tyres with stable physicochemical properties, while Anopheles were more common in puddles, gutters, and tyre tracks with higher heterogeneity. This variability highlights Anopheles' adaptability to diverse conditions, which complicates vector control.

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