Species composition of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Farashband district, southwest of Iran

Abstract

Mosquitoes are potential vectors of some important diseases for humans and animals. Apart from mosquito borne diseases, mosquitoes cause nuisances for both humans and animals when they are abundant. The objective of this study was to determine the fauna of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Farashband County, southwest of Iran. The study was carried out from April to September 2012. Four collection sites, were selected randomly with regard to existing facilities in Farashband County. Sampling was carried out by dipping technique for collecting larvae and pyrethrum space spray collection (PSSC) for adult mosquitoes. Mean temperature was recorded for every month. A total of 1152 adults and 1505 larvae of Culicidae mosquitoes were collected, of which 3 genera and 7 species of Culicidae were recognized, namely, <em>Anopheles superpictus</em>, <em>An. dthali,</em> <em>Culex sitaiticus, Cx. theileri, Cx. pipiens, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus</em> and <em>Culiseta longiareolata</em>. <em>Cs. longiareolata</em> was the most frequent Culicidae mosquito collected at Farashband, with a total of 513, and 249 specimens, by larval and PSSC collection, respectively. The highest numbers of mosquitoes were collected in July (34.9%) and the lowest in April (3.8%), respectively. Regarding this research, there are some potential vectors in medical and veterinary importance in Farashband County and they are more active in July and June.