Preliminary observations on the anopheline mosquitoes of gomadiyagala a village in the north western province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Investigations on anopheline mosquitoes were carried out in Gomadiyagaladuring January-December 1989, primarily to gather base-line data in relationtoa collaborative study between the Entomology Division, Anti-Malaria Campaignand the Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura on thepotential for a genetic approach for malaria control in Sri Lanka. Eight anophelinespecies were recordedfrom adult catches and lavae sampled. An. subpictusAn. culicifacies and An. varuna were the most predominant species.

The only stream with two tributaries in the study area was the permanentand very productive anopheline breeding habitat. Larval and adult anophelinedensities were related to the rainfall received. The larval densities recorded indrought periods were observed to be significantly higher than those recorded inrainy periods (t=4.087, p<O.Ol). August, September and October that recordedrelatively low larval and adult An. culicifacies densities appear to be suitabletimes for field releases of genetically altered An.culicifacies in the area for malariacontrol.