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Research Journal of Parasitology

Year: 2011 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 109-115
DOI: 10.17311/jp.2011.109.115
Indoor Behaviour Responses of the Principal Malaria Vector, Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae), in Relation to Micro-climatic Conditions in Minna, North Central Nigeria
I.K. Olayemi, G. Danlami, B. Isah, O.M. Odeyemi, A.C. Ukubuiwe and O.M. Mustapha

Abstract: This study elucidated the temporal dynamics of indoor-resting density and survivorship of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) vectors of malaria, in relation to prevailing micro-climatic conditions in Minna, North Central Nigeria, between May 2008 and April 2009. Indoor-resting adult mosquitoes were collected bi-weekly using Pyrethrum Spread sheet Collection (PSSC), while daily survivorship and longevity were determined by monitoring indoor cages of A. gambiae mosquitoes for daily mortality. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) monthly and seasonal variations in micro-climatic and entomologic variables. Mean annual indoor temperature and relative humidity were 28.61±1.53°C and 58.88±16.57%, respectively. However, while temperature was significantly higher in the dry than rainy season, the reverse was the case for relative humidity. On the other hand, all entomologic variables investigated were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the rainy than dry season. Monthly indoor-resting density ranged from 38.50±15.50 mosquitoes/sample in March to 128.50±19.65 mosquitoes/sample in August. While, the mean annual daily survival rate of the mosquitoes was 73.24±18.28%, an average mosquito lived for 13.23±5.92 days. Though, all correlation coefficients between micro-climatic and entomological variables were strong, such correlations involving temperature were all negative while, those of relative humidity were positive. The implications of these results, regarding malaria transmission and vector control were highlighted and discussed. The findings of this study should guide the design of houses that will ensure inclement micro-climatic conditions for the survival of mosquito vectors.

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How to cite this article
I.K. Olayemi, G. Danlami, B. Isah, O.M. Odeyemi, A.C. Ukubuiwe and O.M. Mustapha, 2011. Indoor Behaviour Responses of the Principal Malaria Vector, Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae), in Relation to Micro-climatic Conditions in Minna, North Central Nigeria. Research Journal of Parasitology, 6: 109-115.

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