Distribution of Mosquito Larvae in Relation to Physico-chemical Characteristics of Breeding Habitats in Minna, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reports on a study carried out in Minna, Nigeria, during the rainy season of 2008, to elucidate larval distribution, variations in water quality and relationships between both variables in conventional mosquito breeding habitats. Mosquito larvae were sampled weekly from randomly selected sites across the city, using standard techniques. Water samples obtained from breeding sites during larval collection were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters, and such were correlated with larval abundance. The results indicated that mosquito larval distribution in Minna was heterogeneous, with the Swamps been the most active mosquito production sites while, the Drains and Rivers did not support larval development. Also, the mosquito types demonstrated distinct preferences for larval habitats. While, Temperature, Phosphate, Sulphate, Carbonate and Transparency did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the habitats, other parameters namely, Total Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity and pH varied significantly (P < 0.05) thus, explaining the heterogeneous distribution of mosquito larvae among the habitats, especially, as some of the physicochemical parameters correlated strongly with larval abundance. The implications of these results for larviciding interventions in Minna were discussed and concluded that the findings of the study should promote targeted cost-effective mosquito larval control in the area.