Larval Mosquito Diversity and Distribution in Rice Field Agro-Ecosystems in Sariaya, Quezon Province, Philippines

Abstract

Aims: This study assessed the larval mosquito diversity and distribution in rice field agro-ecosystems in Quezon Province, Philippines. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Sariaya, Quezon Province, Philippines between November 2011 and January 2012. Methodology: Grab water samples were obtained in the constructed agricultural wetlands and were assessed for physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids). Mosquito larvae surveys were conducted in the rice field agro-ecosystems using the standard dipping method, and fourth instar larvae were examined to genus level morphologically using standard keys. Results: A total of 2,106 mosquito larvae were collected from the rice field agro-ecosystems. Of these total, four genera were obtained, namely, Culex sp., Anopheles sp., Stegomyia sp., and Toxorhynchites sp. The monitored rice field agro-ecosystem had a high breeding index but low to medium mosquito diversity. No significant differences on the breeding and diversity index exist across the study sites examined (P =0.36). Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of the occurrence of mosquito larvae is necessary as it plays an important role in the transmission of mosquito-related diseases.