Observations on anopheles (Kertezia) bellator D. & K. in British Guiana

ABSTRACT

The geographic distribution of the subgenus Kertezia Kertezia of Anopheles in general, and of Anopheles bellator in particular is reviewed. A new record for A. bellator is reported in British Guiana where it was found in the upper reaches of all the rivers in the North West District adjoining a known focus in Eastern Venezuela. A. bellator was found also in the Potaro River, on the Kaieteur escarpment, and on the east bank of the Essequibo River. High rainfall was a common feature in all these areas. Larval findings indicative of the presence in the North West District of one or more other species of Kertezia are recorded. The principal bromelaid host plants for A. bellator were the arboreals Guzmania capituligera, G. Altonii, Vriesia platynema, V. albiflora, wittmackia adora; and the large terrestrial plant Brochhinia micrantha. High densities of adult A. bellator were recorded only at Kaieteur Falls, but in a small Amerindian community in the North West District epidemiological evidence of active malaria transmission is presented. The potentialities of extended A. bellator malaria are briefly reviewed in relation to future development in the hinterlands