Prevalence of malaria vector mosquitoes Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) of Sindh

Mosquitoes are among the most important group of flying insects, which affect the health of human beings and domestic animals worldwide. During present study, we have conducted surveys in six districts of Sindh where malaria is prevalent Such as Larkana, Dadu, Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Tando Mohd Khan and Tando Allahyar, to observe the occurrence of malaria vector mosquitoes Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi. The survey and field collection was continued for 01 year i.e. from January to December 2012 seasonally. The specimens of mosquitoes were randomly collected from different localities of studied districts, by using suction tube (aspirator) and insect collecting net. It was observed that Anopheles culicifacies was the dominant vector species followed by Anopheles stephensi in all studied districts of Sindh. Different breeding sites were also surveyed for the collection of larvae such as irrigation canals, rice fields, ornamental ponds, open stagnant water pools, water storage tanks. 80% Anopheles larvae were collected from irrigation canals and rice field while 20% larvae were collected from other breeding habitats.