Characterisation of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) larval habitats at ground level and temporal fluctuations of larval abundance in Córdoba, Argentina

GRECH, M; SARTOR P; ESTALLO, E; LUDUEÑA ALMEIDA, F; ALMIRÓN, W.

MEMóRIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ.

FUNDACO OSWALDO CRUZ

Lugar: Rio de Janeiro; Año: 2013 vol. 108 p. 772 - 777

0074-0276

The aim of this study was to characterize ground level mosquito larval habitats of Culex quinquefasciatus and determine relationships between habitat characteristics and larval abundance, and to study the seasonal variation of the larval stage in Córdoba city. Every two weeks, during 2 years, 15 larval habitats (natural and artificial water bodies, including shallow wells, drains, retention ponds, canals and ditches) were visited and sampled for larval mosquitoes. Data on water depth, temperature, pH and permanence, presence of aquatic vegetation and density of mosquito larvae collected were recorded. Average air temperature and accumulated precipitation from the previous 15 days before each sampling date were also obtained. Larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were collected during the entire study period, being most abundant mainly in the summer seasons. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) indicated that the variables averaged air temperature, and presence of dicotyledonous aquatic vegetation, were important predictors of larval densities. Also, permanent breeding sites supported high larval densities. In Córdoba city, and maybe in other highly populated cities in the same latitude and environmental conditions, control programs should focus on permanent larval habitats, with presence of aquatic vegetation during the early spring, when the Cx. quinquefasciatus population begins to increase.