Distribution and abundance of mosquito species in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of mosquito species in Otuoke community of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria was studied between April and July 2021. Indoor mosquito collections were carried using the Pyrethrum spraying method. Six (6) locations were sampled, consisting of Federal University Otuoke (FUO) female hostel and five other streets mapped out randomly within the community. The results of the study revealed 112 individual mosquitoes belonging to two genera; Anopheles and Culex. Culex species (83.93%) was significantly (p<0.05) more abundant than Anopheles (16.07%). All the Culex mosquitoes were identified as Culex pipiens (83.93%) Two species of anopheles, Anopheles gambiae 16(14.28%) and Anopheles funestus 2(1.76%) were identified morphologically. Nine (9) out of the 112 mosquitoes collected had slightly damaged genitals and were identified into genera and species but could not be differentiated into sexes. The total number of mosquitoes identified into sexes in the study was 103, out of which 13 (12.62%) were males and 90 (87.38%) were females. There was a significant difference between the sexes (p<0.05). Development of efficient mosquitoes’ control strategy by the government and local communities is recommended. Also, regular sanitation and proper waste disposal should be undertaken by the residents.