International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Manas Paramanik

Abstract
Mosquitoes are potential vectors of some of the serious diseases causing parasites and pathogens of humans and animals. Analysis of mosquito diversity and prevalence in any area is often a prerequisite component in disease and mosquito management. The present study was conducted at the Gushkara municipal area of Purba Bardhaman district in West Bengal, India to gather systematic first-hand information on mosquitoes. Indoor-resting adult mosquitoes were collected and identified systematically using standard methods. Monthly and seasonal Relative Abundance (RA), Per Man Hour Density (PMHD), and House Index (HI) of different species were calculated from the accumulated data. In five genera, eight species of mosquitoes were encountered in the study area namely Aedes albopictus, Anopheles annularis, Anopheles barbirostris, Anopheles subpictus, Armigeres subalbatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vishnui (group) and Mansonia annulifera. The RA, PMHD, and HI were highest for Ar. subalbatus (56.14, 17.63, and 81.94) followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus (20.31, 6.38, and 61.11) and An. subpictus (9.89, 3.10, and 35.76). In the case of some species, there was notable monthly variation throughout the year but seasonal variation was not prominent in most species. About ninety percent of the surveyed human habitations were found to be invaded by at least one mosquito. All the species collected in the study area were reported as potential vectors in many other areas but in the present study, fortunately, the vectorial role of any of the species was not established. But with favourable microclimatic changes, any of them can be turned into potential vectors in the area and become a serious threat to public health. The epidemiological significance of mosquito diversity in the area should not be overlooked.