Bionomics and Breeding Places of the Genus Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) in Mahroo and Sepid-Dasht Districts, Luristan Province, Western Iran

Study on ecology and larval habitats of anopheline mosquitoes are important in terms of some aspects such as, vector control through manipulation and modification of these habitats that can reduce the burdens of mosquito-borne diseases. Given the likelihood of malaria epidemy, this work has been conducted to study anopheline mosquito fauna, larval habitat features and seasonal activity of the genus Anopheles in the Mahroo and Sepid – Dasht rural districts, Luristan province. This descriptive cross-sectional investigation was done from April to November 2001-2002. Larvae were collected by means of dipper and dropper from breeding places using the standard dipping technique, every two weeks. The third and fourth instar anopheline larvae were preserved in Lactophenol and identified into species using morphological characters. Larval habitat characteristics were recorded. A total of 4376 Anopheles larvae were collected. Five species and two morphological forms were found which include Anopheles superpictus Grassi form A (76.3%), A. dthali Patton (9.7%), A.turkhudi Liston (8.5%), A. marteri Senevet and Prunelle (4%), A. superpictus Grassi form B (1.1%) and A. apoci Marsh (0.4%). In these districts, anopheline larval activity began in early May and ended in early November. In this paper, the characteristics of larval habitats of any species have been discussed separately. The main larval habitats of important vector of the region, A. superpictus, were determined river sides, stream margins and rice fields. The findings of this research can be used to manage control of vectors.