Distribution and bionomics of Egyptian culex univittatus [Theobald]

ABSTRACT

Culex univittatus is widespread throughout Egypt. It is most common in southern Egypt where it is generally found throughout the year. In the Nile Delta its presence is restricted to the warmer months. Breeding sites are generally restricted to cultivated areas, especially in fresh water found in drains, irrigation channels seepage water and flooded rice fields. Cx. univittatus is exophagic and endophagic in Sharqiyia and Qalubiyia Governorates. It bites human as well as animals. It is long lived in the field and exceeds the extrinsic incubation period of arboviruses and human filaria, both of which have been found in field-Caught females. It therefore has a high vectorial capacity, rendering the mosquito important in the ecology of human and animal diseases in Egypt