Identification of mosquito species and determination of population density in the Taif governorate, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The surveillance of mosquitoes is the primary method for protecting humans from the spread of dangerous diseases such as malaria and dengue fever transmitted by certain mosquito species. The present study aimed to survey and identify mosquito species in the Taif governorate to determine their medical importance and monitor their distribution across seasons. A black hole light trap was used to collect adult mosquitoes, with four readings per month over an entire year recorded. A total of 3796 adult mosquitoes were collected, and 12 species were identified. All species belonged to the following genera: Culex, Aedes, Anopheles, Culiseta, and Lutzia; however, mosquito genera of medical importance (i.e., Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles) were examined in the present study. Adult mosquito species occurred throughout the entire year, with peaks of density and activity during summer and autumn (24-30°C), confirming that environmental temperature plays a key role in mosquito existence and distribution. This study might provide evidence regarding the spread of mosquitoes and creates a database of the mosquito species in the Taif governorate, which would assist in pest control programs.