Spatial Variation in Habitat Productivity Indices, Larval Age-structure Composition and Species diversity of Culex Mosquito Species in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate larval habitat productivity indices, age-structure distribution and diversity indices of Culex mosquito populations in Minna, Nigeria. Mosquitoes were systematically collected from conventional mosquito breeding habitats using Dipping method. Data collected were analysed for habitat productivity, Culex larval breeding indices, age structure distribution and diversity indices in the study area. Five (5) Culex mosquito species were encountered; Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. salinarius, Cx. tarsalis, Cx. restuans and Cx. nigripalpus. Analyses revealed spatial variation in habitat productivity indices. Larval breeding indices also revealed that the Cx. species exhibited varying biology, and adaptability to the habitats sampled. Age structure analyses of the collected larvae showed preponderance of late larval instars. There were strong negative correlations between mosquito species abundance and some physicochemical parameters. Species diversity indices also varied among the habitats and locations. The indices investigated indicated that mosquito habitats in Minna are well established and suited for proliferation of Cx. mosquito populations. There is, therefore, need for urgent larval source management to reduce human vector contacts and forestall future outbreak of vectored diseases.