Bionomics ofanopheline vectors in Zabid District, Al- Hodeidah Governorate, Republic of Yemen

ABSTRACT

The bionomics of anopheline vectors were analyzed in randomly selected centres, representing fixed and spot-check stations. Three anopheline species were found. Anopheles arabiensis was the most prevalent species [84.2%] with a sporozoite rate of 0.7%, followed by A. culicifacies adenensis [14.9%] and A. rhodesiensis rupicolus [0.9%]. Maximum indoor resting density was recorded during March, July and August. Positive sprayed sites for females were higher in bedrooms [40.4%] than animal sheds [26.9%]. A total of 2560 anopheline larvae were collected of which 79.5% were A. arabiensis, 19.4% were A. culicifacies adenensis and 1.1% A. rhodesiensis rupicolus. A. arabiensis was assumed to be the most efficient malaria vector based on epidemiological evidence and the finding of natural sporozoite infected females