Altitudinal Variation in Density of Mosquito, Thiruvannamalai Temple, A Hilly Area Srivilliputturtaluk

Now a days the increase in human population, irrigation of crops, flooded rice fields, unplanned sanitation, urban development, the migration of bird, rainfall, temperature, humidity and dry arid condition and the changing life style of the population in cities, urban, sub-urban and rural areas of our nation. Altitudinal variation of mosquitoes was studied by collecting the mosquitoes using human bait sampling method during September 2009 to February 2010 from four habitats such as residential area, low altitude (78ft), transition altitude (156ft) and high altitude (234ft) of a rural ecosystem at Venkateshwarapuram village near Srivilliputtur. The density of mosquitoes was more in moderate rainy season than the acute rainy and winter seasons. Among the eight species recorded in the study area, Culex quinquefasciatus exhibited highest density and followed by Culex pseudovishnui and Anopheles subpictus. The other species showed moderate or less density. Variation in the density of mosquitoes was also observed. The density of mosquitoes was higher during moderate rainy season and winter season followed by acute rainy season.