Abstract:
Investigations on anopheline mosquitoes were carried out in Gomadiyagala
during January-December 1989, primarily to gather base-line data in relation
toa collaborative study between the Entomology Division, Anti-Malaria Campaign
and the Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura on the
potential for a genetic approach for malaria control in Sri Lanka. Eight anopheline
species were recordedfrom adult catches and lavae sampled. An. subpictus
An. culicifacies and An. varuna were the most predominant species.
The only stream with two tributaries in the study area was the permanent
and very productive anopheline breeding habitat. Larval and adult anopheline
densities were related to the rainfall received. The larval densities recorded in
drought periods were observed to be significantly higher than those recorded in
rainy periods (t=4.087, p<O.Ol). August, September and October that recorded
relatively low larval and adult An. culicifacies densities appear to be suitable
times for field releases of genetically altered An.culicifacies in the area for malaria
control.
