Distribution, abundance and diversity of mosquitoes in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

The distribution, abundance and diversity of mosquitoes in Akure, were studied between April, 2012 and March, 2013. Twenty (20) locations randomly distributed across five geographical zones of the city were sampled using sweep nets, aspirators, dippers and pipettes. The habitats sampled include containers, stagnant pools, domestic run-offs and gutters. The larvae collected were preserved in 70% ethanol and identified to species level using X40 dissecting microscope and morphological keys. 30 species distributed among 5 genera were identified during the study. The distribution and abundance of the 30 species of mosquitoes varied significantly (p<0.05). Culex andersoni was found to be most abundant in the study area with 23.1% abundance followed by Culex fatigans (21.9%) while Toxorhynchites brevipalpis was the least abundant (0.05%). Combination of factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, relative humidity, conductivity and anthropogenic related factors contributed to the increasing abundance of mosquitoes in the study area. The occurrence of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex is suggestive of the prevalence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and filariasis in the area. Therefore, intensive vector control programmes and public enlightenment especially on human activities that encourage mosquito breeding are recommended. Key words: Mosquitoes, Culex andersoni, Toxorhychite brevipalpis, abundance.