Abstract

Dengue is currently spreading rapidly on a global scale. With rapid and unplanned urbanization dengue is now a more serious problem than before. To obtain a complete and systematic data about breeding habitats and density of vector immatures (larvae and pupae) and adults in a dengue and filarial endemic area. All the possible permanent and temporary water bodies were surveyed for the study of distribution, abundance and diversity of mosquitoes in Vellore district between July, 2015-December, 2015. Ten (10) locations were sampled using sweep nets, aspirators, dippers, and pipettes. The collected mosquito were preserved in 70% ethanol and identified to species level using morphological keys. Totally 696 mosquitoes were collected which includes Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. Discarded tyres, stagnant pools, and different types of containers are the main source of mosquito breeding. Tree holes are also important and neglected mosquito breeding sites in the study areas. Presence of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes indicates the disease prevalence. Information about the breeding habitats will be helpful to formulate a mosquito vector control strategy.

Keywords

Mosquito distribution, Diversity, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India.

Received on 03/02/2016, Accepted on 28/02/2016, Published on 20/03/2016