Physicochemical factors affecting the diversity and abundance of Afrotropical Culicoides species in larval habitats in Senegal

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological vectors arboviruses global importance in animal health. We characterized physicochemical parameters that determine density and composition main species veterinary interest larval habitats Niayes region Senegal. For this purpose, we combined substrate sampling field different habitat types with adult emergence analyses laboratory. Three major were identified, conditioning predominant pH amount organic matter positively correlated abundance larvae emerging Culicoides, as opposed to salinity. The diversity was while it negatively distinctipennis group freshwater lake edges. In pond puddle edges, C. oxystoma nivosus predominant; both again most abundant saltwater These variabilities support distribution groups. results make possible implement effective, selective environmental-friendly control measures but also improve current models for estimating vector populations at a local scale.