Studies on the bionomics of Anopheles dirus (Culicidae: Diptera) in Mudon, Mon State, Myanmar

This study examined some environmental factors influencing the larval habitats of Anopheles dirus (breeding in wells) in Mudon, Myanmar, from May 1998 to March 2000. The larval/pupal density was found to be directly proportional to rainfall and indirectly proportional to the well water level. Shade, vegetation and debris on the surface of well water were important factors influencing the abundance of the aquatic stages of An. dirus. Salinity had an inverse correlation with the larval and pupal density. Other mosquito species associated with An. dirus were identified. Important predators of the mosquito larvae were larvivorous fish, damselfly and dragonfly nymphs. All wells examined were lined with lateritic rocks. Chemical analysis of water samples from wells was conducted.