DRY SEASON SPECIES COMPOSITION AND BITING BEHAVIOUR OF MOSQUITOES IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

A study on the dry species composition and biting behaviour in different species of mosquitoes in Edo state Nigeria was carried out in six local government areas which includes; Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Oredo, Uhunmwunode, Owan-west and Etsako-east within a three months period. A total of 26 adult female mosquitoes comprising of, Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Mansonia africana. Two main methods of catch mosquitoes where used which include; the pyrethrum spray catch method and the human catch method. Biting behaviour of the mosquitos’ speiecs at the indoor resting level happened to be more in Oredo local government and the Ma. Africana and culex quinquefasciaus happens to have the highest number. The abundance of major vector mosquito indoors in Edo state differed according to biting time Cu quinquefasciatus was more abundant at between (9am-12pm) An. gambiae was more abundant at 12-1pm while Ma. Africana was more abundant in the mornings (7-10am) and mid-afternoon (2-3pm). Ae. agypti was not recorded indoor. For the outdoor resting behavior culex quinquefasciaus was the predominat spices with Oredo local government been the highest settlement. The abundance of major vector mosquito indoors in Edo state differed according to biting time Cu quinquefasciatus was more abundant at (9-2pm) An. gambiae was more abundant at 12-1pm while Ma. Africana was more abundant in the mornings (7-10am) and mid-afternoon (2-3pm). Ae. agypti was not recorded indoor. This findings shows that, cluex and An.gambiae are the two common species in oredo. This work may provide an entomological baseline data that is required for evaluation and implementation of vector control in relation to their disease.