Identification, abundance, and diversity of mosquitoes in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

Mosquitoes are known to be notorious for their ability to constitute a nuisance as well as transmit disease-causing organisms (pathogens) to hosts. This study was aimed to determine the species distribution, abundance, and diversity of mosquitoes in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. A total number of 100 sites (20 sites from each location) were randomly sampled in the five locations (Alagbaka, FUTA, Oja-Oba, Ondo road, and Seebi). These larvae were identified to species level using × 20 magnification of a dissecting microscope and identification keys. Thirteen species of mosquitoes including 5 Aedes species, 6 Culex species, and a species of Anopheles and Toxorhynchites belonging to four genera were recorded. The abundance of the four mosquito genera varied significantly (p < 0.05) with Culex having the highest abundance (2151) and Toxorhynchites having the lowest abundance (23). Also, the distribution and abundance of the mosquito species varied significantly (p < 0.05) with Culex andersoni being the most abundant species encountered (709) and Culex striatipes being the least abundant (8). The favorable physico-chemical parameters that favor breeding include pH range of 7.14–7.30, temperature range of 27.3–29 °C, electrical conductivity range of 65.6–98.0 μs, and dissolved oxygen range of 2.43–3.84 mg/l. Also, FUTA (1400) and Oja-Oba (994) had higher mosquito abundance than other locations (Alagbaka—124, Seebi—198, and Ondo road—224). The persistent occurrence of Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles species pose a serious epidemiological concern to the inhabitants of Akure South Local Government Area. Therefore, public enlightenment on vector control is of paramount importance.