Efficiency of three light traps for sampling Mosquitoes in the western regions of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Entomological surveys were carried out in six localities representing three regions in the western coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for two years to evaluate the efficiency of CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) miniature light traps, Black Hole (BH) traps and Fay-Prince Blacklight (FP) traps in collecting mosquitoes. The CDC showed higher efficiency in collecting more numbers of mosquito species (19/19:100%) and of adults (19.33 adult / trap, P˂0.01)) than either BH (78.95% spp, 4.89 adult / trap) or FP (68.42% ssp, 13.44 adult / trap). Sorensen coefficient showed moderate similarity (45-48%) in mosquito species composition attracted by the different traps. Adult collections fluctuated monthly with peaks of collection were during spring and autumn months. So that, light traps mainly CDC could be useful as a tool for the study of species composition and seasonal distribution of mosquito vectors of diseases. This is important for planning and implementing vector control programs.