The Fauna, Habitats and Medically Importance of Mosquito Larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) in Salfit District- Palestinian State

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was conducted to discuss the mosquito fauna, breeding sites and its habitat during January 2017 to May 2018 at Salfit district (Northwestern West Bank). Study Design: A cross-sectional study Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in West Bank -Salfit District to collect mosquito larvae from January 2017 to May 2018. Results: Six species of the family Culicidae were collected belonging to four genera (Anopheles claviger, Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens, Culex perexiguus, Culex laticinictus and Culiseta longiareolata) were recorded from Salfit District. Cu. longiareolata, Cx. laticinictus and Cx. pipiens were the most collected species. Anopheles claviger was reported for the first time from Salfit District. Limitations of the Study The study discussed the fauna of mosquito breeding sites and larvae habitats at Salfit District during 2017-2018. Larval habitats were recognised visually and some of the other factors not tested (PH, temperature, turbidity of water and percentage of water pollution). Conclusion: The results show the occurrence of six species in the Salfit District during the study period (2017-2018). Three of them are known to be considered as a vector for viral diseases (e.g. West Nile virus). Further studies are needed to address the systematics, ecology, biology and habitat preference of these species.