Species Composition and Relative Abundance of Mosquito Larvae in Suez Canal Zone, Egypt

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases have a great impact on human and animal health throughout the world, including Egypt. A survey was conducted at Suez Canal Zone for 8 months, prolonged from November 2014 till April 2016 to identify the mosquito larvae and to investigate the different breeding habitats preferences of mosquito's larvae. Larvae were collected using a standard dipping with a small ladle. A total of 14806 mosquito larvae were collected from 7 different breeding habitats and found belonging to 5 genera and 10 species; Culex pipiens L. Culex perexiguus Theobald, Culex (Barraudius) pusillus Macquart, Anopheles (Cellia) multicolor Cambouliu, Anopheles (Anopheles) tenebrosus Dönitiz, Anopheles (Cellia) pharonsis Theobald, Culiseta longiareolata (Macquart), Ochlerotatus detritus Haliday, Ochlerotatus caspius (Pallas) and Uranotaenia unguiculata Edwards. Out of these, 5 species are considered as high potential vector of diseases in Egypt. Results indicated that Cx. pipiens is the most common vector prevalent in all months representing 66.90% (n=9905 larvae) of total collection, followed by Cx. perexiguus 10.06% (n=1490 larvae). Different habitats of Suez Canal area are environmentally suitable for mosquito breeding and therefore the probability of emergence/re-emergence of the mosquito-transmitted diseases becomes enhanced. So, the present study provides the baseline information for decision makers to take necessary optimal control strategies to mitigate mosquito nuisance, proliferation rate and the areas under risk of potential diseases transmission.