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Published on: August 14, 2017
Mosquito population dynamic (Diptera: Culicidae) in a eutrophised dam
E D Wermelinger1, C V Benigno, R N M Machado
1Laboratório de Vetores, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca - ENSP, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, CEP 21041-210, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. edw@fiocruz.br
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista Brasleira De Biologia
|January 9, 2013
Summary
This study identified four mosquito species in a rural eutrophic dam, finding Culex quinquefasciatus to be a key indicator of eutrophication. Vegetation presence influenced Anopheles populations in this environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Medical Entomology
- Ecology
Background:
- Eutrophication significantly alters aquatic ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and disease vector populations.
- Mosquitoes, particularly species of Culex and Anopheles, are important vectors of disease and their population dynamics are sensitive to environmental changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mosquito species composition and population dynamics in a rural eutrophic dam.
- To identify potential biological indicators of eutrophication among mosquito species.
- To assess the influence of marginal vegetation on mosquito populations in eutrophic water bodies.
Main Methods:
- Larval and pupal mosquito stages were collected over twelve months from a eutrophic dam.
- Collections were conducted in three distinct zones (P1, P2, P3) along the dam edge, with P1 lacking vegetation.
- Adult mosquitoes were reared for identification, and their species, constancy, and frequency were recorded. Water quality parameters (Organic Nitrogen, Phosphorus) and zooplankton (Daphnia sp.) were also analyzed.
Main Results:
- Four mosquito species were identified: Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) evansae, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) rangeli, and Culex nigripalpus.
- Culex quinquefasciatus exhibited high constancy (83%) and frequency (40.6%), correlating with indicators of eutrophication such as high Daphnia sp. incidence and elevated Organic Nitrogen (0.28 mg/L) and Phosphorus (0.02 mg/L).
- Significant differences in Anopheles and Culex species distribution were observed between vegetated (P2, P3) and non-vegetated (P1) zones, indicating vegetation's role in mosquito population dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Culex quinquefasciatus is confirmed as a reliable biological indicator for eutrophic environments.
- Anopheles evansae shows potential as an indicator species in eutrophic conditions.
- Marginal vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating anopheline populations within eutrophic breeding sites.
