Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Anopheles Mosquito Species in the Republic of Korea

Understanding the spatial and temporal distributions of Anopheles mosquitoes is essential for effective malaria vector control. However, information on vector composition and distribution remains limited. Therefore, we elucidated the species composition and distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes across both malaria‐risk and nonrisk regions of the Republic of Korea. We identified 4819 of 11,585 collected adult female Anopheles mosquitoes from 38 collection sites in malaria‐risk and nonrisk areas from May to October 2022 in the Republic of Korea. Species identification was conducted using multiplex PCR‐based species typing targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) region. Anopheles sinensis was the predominant species accounting for 80.3% of the total population, followed by An. kleini (7.6%), An. pullus (5.5%), An. sineroides (3.2%), and An. belenrae (2.2%). Spatial analysis revealed that An. kleini and An. belenrae occurred exclusively in malaria‐risk areas. An. kleini exhibited a higher relative abundance in areas near the border with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Temporally, An. kleini and An. pullus appeared earlier in the season in malaria‐risk areas, with highest relative abundance in May and June. In contrast, An. sinensis was the dominant species from July onwards, whereas An. pullus increased in September in nonrisk areas. These findings suggest that the primary malaria vectors in the Republic of Korea exhibit distinct geographical restrictions and phenological variations. This study contributes to malaria control by providing basic ecological information on Anopheles mosquitoes in the Republic of Korea.