Domestic breeding sources and their contribution in Anopheles stephensi breeding in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu

Longitudinal study taken up for one year in 10 different types of breeding habitats in Dindigul town, Tamil Nadu, revealed that out of 51,785 habitats 225 (0.43%) were found positive for Anopheles stephensi immatures. The overall positivity varied between 0.03 to 1.31% with peak density during July. The observed habitat-wise positivity was overhead tanks 0-7.07%; wells 0-1.69%; under ground tanks 0-2.26%; tappits 0-2.36%; outside tanks (permanent) 0-2.42%; outside tanks (temporary) 0-0.39%; inside tanks (permanent) 0-2.0%; inside tanks (temporary) 0-3.6%; barrels 0-1.32% and others 0-25.0%. In 16.0% habitats An. stephensi was found breeding with An. subpictus, Aedes aegypti, Ae. vittatus and Culex quinquefasciatus in different combinations. Overhead tanks were found to contribute maximum An. Stephensi breeding in this area.