Abstract

The physico-chemical and biological characteristics affecting the breeding ecology of mosquitoes in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State, Nigeria was investigated. Mosquito larvae were collected from 33 breeding sites using standard plastic dippers, transported to the laboratory and reared to adulthood. Physico-chemical characteristics, distance of each breeding site to the nearest residence and other biotic and abiotic features were determined per site. 2051 imagoes were morphologically identified including Anopheles gambiae s.l. (n=348), Aedes spp. (n=394), Culex spp. (n=1270), Mansonia spp. (n=7), Toxorhynchite spp. (n=20) and Coquillettidia spp. (n=12). Distance of breeding sites to the nearest residence ranged from 0.5 to 300 m. Temperature in all breeding sites ranged from 20.80 to 32.60°C; dissolved oxygen, 2.70 to 7.80 mg/L; total dissolved solids, 043 to 1933 ppm and pH was between 5.30-8.50. Temperature and dissolved oxygen had significant effect on all the species’ larvae, as higher values increased their presence. Each of the other physico-chemical parameters had effects on some of the mosquito species.  Adequate knowledge of the physico-chemical and biological factors may help in modifying the breeding environments to curb their proliferation. Similarly, the attention of the government to provide basic amenities that would reduce the temporary breeding sites suffices.

Key words: Breeding, ecological factors, Ifedore local government area, mosquitoes, Ondo State, Nigeria.