Diversity and relative density of larval mosquito species in Mubi metropolis, Adamawa state, Nigeria.

Abstract

Mosquitoes are widely distributed worldwide, utilizing various breeding sites which are influenced by various environmental factors. This study aimed at determining the distribution and relative abundance of mosquito species in Mubi metropolis. Three study sites (Barama, GRA and Tudun-Wada) were randomly selected and observed for the distribution and abundance of mosquito species larvae, mosquito larvae were identified into genera based on their resting position in water, as described by WHO standard. Direct counting of mosquito genera after ten (10) dips in each breeding sites was done and recorded. Data collected was analyzed using Shannon Wiener diversity index. The overall distribution of mosquitoes out of the 302 collected revealed that, mosquitoes population is higher in Tudun-Wada and the least was in GRA in the following order: Tudun-Wada (115)>Barama (111)>GRA (76). The finding from this study also revealed that Anopheles mosquitoes had the highest Relative Density (61.26%) than the Culex mosquitoes (38.74%). The diversity index (H) also revealed that Anopheles mosquitoes were more diversed (0.122512), when compared with the Culex mosquito species (-0.56084). Similar trend was observed in the species evenness (E), where Anopheles mosquito species had a significant higher value (1) than the Culex (-4.55964). Therefore necessary control strategies against mosquitoes should be put in place especially Tudun-Wada area, as the people living in the area are predisposed to mosquito borne diseases such as malaria.