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Introduction of irrigation projects in developing nations has often been blamed for aggravating the problem of mosquito-borne diseases by creating ideal larval habitats for vector mosquitoes. However, whereas several studies have demonstrated the relationship between malaria vectors and irrigation, little work has been done on culicine mosquitoes despite their potential in transmission of filariasis and arboviruses and their significant biting nuisance in these areas. This study examined the diversity of Culex mosquito fauna and their larval habitats at two sites (Murinduko and Kiamachiri) in Mwea, Kenya over a 12-month period. The habitat types present at each site within a 200-meter radius around the study village, including randomly selected paddies and canals, were sampled every two weeks to examine the relationship between vegetation cover, water depth, turbidity, and Culex larval counts. Ten culicine species belonging to four genera were identified, with 73.1% of the total collection comprising of Culex duttoni and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Other species collected included Cx. annulioris, Cx. poicilipes, Cx. cinereus, Cx. tigripes, Cx. trifilatus, Aedes spp., Coquilettidia fuscopennata, and Ficalbia splendens. Murinduko was more diverse than Kiamachiri in terms of species richness (10 versus 7 species) and larval habitat diversity (11 versus 8 habitat types). Paddies, canals, and rain pools were the most diverse habitats in terms of species richness, and ditches, rock pools, and tree holes were the least diverse. Principal component and correlation analyses showed a strong association between three Culex species and the measured habitat characteristics. Culex poicilipes was strongly associated with floating vegetation, Cx. annulioris with clean water containing emergent vegetation, and Cx. quinquefasciatus was associated with turbid water. Seasonal changes in larval counts in water reservoirs and pool and ditch habitats were closely associated with rainfall. These findings provide important information on larval habitat preference for different Culex species, which will be useful in designing and implementation of larval control operations.
Received April 3, 2006. Accepted for publication September 22, 2006.
Acknowledgments: We are grateful to Professor Christian Baumgartner (Director General, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology) and Dr. Hans R. Herren for their strong support in this project. We acknowledge the technical assistance provided by Joseph Mwangangi, Simon Muriu, Charles Muriuki, James Wauna, Enock Mpanga, Peter Barasa, Peter M. Mutiga, William Waweru, Nelson Maingi, Martin Njigoya, Paul K. Mwangi, Christine W. Maina, Isabel M. Marui, Gladys Karimi, Irene Kamau, Julius Murimi, Susan W. Mugo, Nicholus Gachoki, Charles Kiura, and Naftaly Gichuki.
Financial support: This study was supported by National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant U01 A1054889 to Robert J. Novak.
* Address correspondence to Robert J. Novak, Medical Entomology Laboratory, Centre for Ecological Entomology, Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820. E-mail: rjnovak{at}uiuc.edu
Authors’ addresses: Ephantus Muturi, Weidong Gu, Benjamin Jacob, and Robert J. Novak, Medical Entomology Laboratory, Center for Ecological Entomology, Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign IL 61820. Josephat I. Shililu and John I. Githure, Human Health Division, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, PO Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya.
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