Fauna and larval habitats of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of West Azerbaijan Province, Northwestern Iran

Several important diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. Despite of the potential of the occurrence of
some mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile, dirofilariasis and malaria in the region, there is no recent study of
mosquitoes in West Azerbaijan Province. The aim of this investigation was to study the fauna, composition and distribution
of mosquitoes and the characteristics of their larval habitats in this province.
Methods: Larvae and adult collections were carried out from different habitats using the standard methods in twenty
five localities of seven counties across West Azerbaijan Province.
Results: Overall, 1569 mosquitoes including 1336 larvae and 233 adults were collected from 25 localities. The details
of geographical properties were recorded. Five genera along with 12 species were collected and identified including:
Anopheles claviger, An. maculipennis s.l., An. superpictus, Culex pipiens, Cx. theileri, Cx. modestus, Cx.
hortensis, Cx. mimeticus, Culiseta Longiareolata, Ochlerotatus caspius s.l., Oc. geniculatus and Uranotaenia
unguiculata. This is the first record of Oc. geniculatus in the province.
Conclusion: Due to the geographical location of the West Azerbaijan Province, it comprises different climatic condition
which provides suitable environment for the establishment of various species of mosquitoes. The solidarity
geographical, cultural and territorial exchanges complicate the situation of the province and its vectors as a threat for
future and probable epidemics of mosquito-borne diseases