Abundance and vertical distribution of the mosquito fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Peruvian Amazon

In the Peruvian Amazon, many species of mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of disease pathogens to humans and livestock. Increased knowledge about their diversity, abundance and distribution is important to more effectively control mosquitoe populations . The objective of this study was to evaluate mosquito abundance and vertical distribution in a remote jungle village in the Peruvian Amazon Basin. This study was conducted from October 2003 - January 2004. CDC light traps with CO2 were placed in one of three stations in the forest surrounding the Quistococha Village. For each collection period, two traps were placed in each station for 12 h, with one in the forest floor, and one in the canopy. In order to capture both day- and night-active mosquitoes, traps were placed during two time periods: 0600-1800 hours and 1800-0600 hours, with eight repetitions. A total of 31,178 specimens were collected belonging to 13 genera and 18 subgenera. Fifty-five species were identified, with 90.14% of specimens collected at night, and 9.86% collected during the day. Species like Coquilletidia (Rhynchotaenia) venezuelensis, Anopheles (Nyssorhinchus) triannulatus, Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) fulvus preferred the canopy, while the Culex (Culex) coronator, Culex (Culex) near declarator and Limatus durhami preferred the bottom. Psorophora (Janthinosoma) abigenu was the only species that preferred to remain in the forest floor during the day and in the canopy during the night. The results of this study indicate a correlation between mosquito activity period and vertical distribution of mosquitoes in the Peruvian Amazon.