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 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.